ASU quarterback set to transfer

Arkansas State's quarterback battle will have one less participant in the fall.

James Tabary, who was a redshirt freshman for ASU last fall, announced on Twitter on Tuesday night that he will transfer to another school.

Tabary, a part of Coach Blake Anderson's first signing class in 2014, was the only ASU quarterback on the roster with starting experience. He tarted three games last season, victories over Missouri State and Idaho and a loss at Toledo. He completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 788 yards with 4 touchdowns and 6 interceptions for the Red Wolves.

"Just wanted to thank God, my family and all of A-state nation," Tabary wrote in a message posted about 8:45 p.m. "It's been a pleasure playing here, but my family and me have agreed it's best to move on and to transfer somewhere else. Just want to thank everyone who became family with me and for all the great memories!"

Tabary entered the spring taking the first-team snaps in most drills, but he appeared to have fallen behind at least one other contender as ASU wrapped up spring practice Friday night. Justice Hansen, who signed in January from Butler (Kan.) Community College, took the first snaps.

Tabary was 6 of 14 for 53 yards and an interception in Friday's final spring scrimmage, after which Anderson called the quarterback competition "far from over."

Tabary's departure leaves Cameron Birse as the only quarterback who has thrown a pass in a game for ASU. Birse, who will be a junior, was 4 for 4 for 37 yards last season. Hansen, Birse and redshirt freshman D.J. Pearson are the only scholarship quarterbacks on the roster. Logan Bonner, who signed in February, will join the team in the summer.

Tabary has three years of eligibility remaining. If he transfers to an FBS program, he'll have to sit out one season per transfer rules. If he transfers to an FCS program, he'll be eligible next season.

Sports on 04/20/2016

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