South Carolina QB Smelley to play baseball

Jan 9, 2009 - 10:34 PM COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Ticker) - South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley is transferring to pursue a career in baseball, the school announced Friday.

The 6-2, 211-pound redshirt sophomore played in 21 games for the Gamecocks, posting a 9-6 record in 15 starts. For his career, he was 270-of-479 passes for 3,210 yards with 23 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

"It's been a difficult decision - something I've been thinking and praying about for awhile," Smelley said. "I'm leaving South Carolina with a lot of memories and great relationships that will last a lifetime.

"I'm going to play baseball at another school that I'm still deciding on."

Smelley was an outstanding high school baseball player at American Christian High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earning all-state honors and leading his team to the state title in both 2004 and 2005.