QB Smelley to leave South Carolina with baseball on mind

"He has helped us win a lot of games over the past two years," Spurrier said. "We understand his desire to give baseball a try and wish Chris much success in the future."

Smelley said he was unsure on his next school. Reports in his home state had Alabama's Crimson Tide in play for Smelley. After all, Smelley's younger brother Brad was a freshman tight end for the Tide this past season.

Smelley would have to sit out a season as a Division I transfer. He could pursue his baseball career immediately.

He helped American Christian High to state championships in 2004 and 2005.

Smelley, 22, said he spoke with Gamecocks baseball coach Ray Tanner about playing for that team. It did not work out, Smelley said. "Under different circumstances, I would have loved to have had the chance to play for him," Smelley said. "But I decided it was best for me to have a change of scenery and move on elsewhere."

Smelley's departure means two of South Carolina's top three quarterbacks at the start of the season won't be around for spring practice.

Beecher began the season as Spurrier's starter, but played only briefly against Alabama-Birmingham after his four-interception game against North Carolina State.

That leaves Garcia, a sophomore next season, as the team's only returning QB with experience. Garcia didn't fare well in his last outing, throwing three interceptions in a 31-10 loss to Iowa before getting relieved by Smelley.