QB Quinten Dormady says he's transferring from Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Quarterback Quinten Dormady is leaving Tennessee after a junior year in which he lost his starting job and suffered a season-ending injury.

"After weeks of reflection, I've decided to complete my degree from Tennessee and transfer for my final year of eligibility," Dormady said Monday on his Twitter account .

Dormady, who is 6-foot-4 and from Boerne, Texas, won a preseason competition with Jarrett Guarantano to open the year as the starter. In his first career start, Dormady threw two touchdown passes to rally the Volunteers from a 14-point deficit in a 42-41 double-overtime victory over Georgia Tech .

But he couldn't build on that momentum.

Dormady lost his starting spot to Guarantano after a 41-0 loss to Georgia that dropped Tennessee's record to 2-3. Dormady underwent season-ending shoulder surgery later in the year and ended up completing 55.5 percent of his passes for 925 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

"I am making great progress every day with the help of my family, my friends and doctors," Dormady tweeted. "I want to thank everyone for their support through rehab.

"My goal is to work my way back to the game as a post-graduate quarterback - stronger, sharper, ready to compete and to be a good teammate. That is my single focus at the moment."

Dormady thanked his teammates, coaches and "everyone at the University of Tennessee program."

In three seasons at Tennessee, Dormady played 16 games and completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,282 yards with seven touchdown passes and six interceptions. He backed up Joshua Dobbs in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

The departure of Dormady leaves Guarantano, Will McBride and incoming freshman JT Shrout as Tennessee's scholarship quarterbacks as new coach Jeremy Pruitt prepares to complete his first recruiting class and get ready for spring practice.

Dormady's transfer comes after running back John Kelly , defensive back Rashaan Gaulden and defensive tackle Khalil McKenzie announced they were foregoing their final seasons of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Tennessee is coming off a 4-8 season in which it set a school record for losses and failed to win a Southeastern Conference game.

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