Columbia, SC (Sports Network) - South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley announced on Friday he will transfer to another school to play baseball.

"It's been a difficult decision - something I've been thinking and praying about for awhile," said Smelley. "I'm leaving South Carolina with a lot of memories and great relationships that will last a lifetime. I'm very thankful to the University and to Coach [Steve] Spurrier for the opportunity to play football for the Gamecocks and wish my teammates the very best. I'm going to play baseball at another school that I'm still deciding on."

After winning each of his first four starts behind center, Smelley had an up- and-down two seasons for offensive guru Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks. He finished his career going 9-6 in 15 career starts, while passing for 3,210 yards with 23 touchdowns and 22 interceptions and completing 56.4 percent of his passes.

Smelley, a highly touted recruit out of Alabama, led his high school to a pair of state titles in baseball in 2004 and '05.