University Southern California Trojans
USC Quarterback Jason Thomas to Transfer
June 21, 1999 | Football
April 6, 1999
LOS ANGELES -- Redshirt freshman quarterback Jason Thomas has asked for and been granted a release from his USC scholarship, Trojan head coach Paul Hackett announced today.
"This is a tough loss for USC because Jason is such a talent," said Hackett. "But I want what's best for Jason and he feels this is what he has to do. It's unfortunate that we never got to see the real Jason Thomas, because he was never fully healthy. He's a special player and I know he'll have success wherever he goes. We wish him the best."
Said Thomas: "This was a difficult decision for me to make, but it's the best decision for my future. USC is a great place and it was a good situation for me for a while, but it's time to move on. The relationships I built at USC with the coaches and players will always be with me and I'll always be a Trojan in my heart."
Thomas redshirted the 1998 season, his first at USC, while bothered by a left ankle injury that required arthrosopic surgery early last fall to remove scar tissue. A sore hamstring has slowed him for portions of USC's current spring football drills. He came to Troy after a prep All-American career at Dominguez High in Compton (Calif.).
Thomas is expected to finish the spring semester at USC before transferring.
Despite Thomas' transfer, USC has 3 quarterbacks with starting experience on its roster. Sophomore Carson Palmer started the last 5 games of 1998 after junior Mike Van Raaphorst was the starter in Troy's first 8 contests of 1998. Senior John Fox started there all of 1997, but has been moved to linebacker this spring after not seeing any action at quarterback last season. Also, Quincy Woods, who was a reserve quarterback in 1996 and 1997, was switched to wide receiver in 1998 and he currently is competing for playing time there.
