Fargas Leaves Michigan, Will Come Home

Justin Fargas, one of the nation’s top high school running backs at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High in 1997, has been given his release by Michigan and is considering transferring to USC, UCLA or California, his father, Antonio, said Friday night.

Fargas, a redshirt sophomore, would have to sit out next season and have one year of eligibility remaining.

He could gain a second season of eligibility. He plans to ask the NCAA for a sixth year because of a broken leg that forced him to miss the 1999 season.

Fargas plans to return to his parents’ home in Encino next week and will not play for Michigan in the Wolverines’ Jan. 1 game against Auburn in the Citrus Bowl.

He returned this season from his leg injury but switched to safety after Michigan’s 23-20 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 16 because of dwindling playing time at tailback behind starter Anthony Thomas.

Antonio Fargas said the reason his son is leaving Michigan is a desire to play in California.

“He was unhappy,” Antonio said. “He’s seeing if he can pick up the pieces.”