Clemson Backup Quarterback will Transfer

Clemson backup quarterback Zerrick Cooper announced that he is leaving the Clemson program in a post on Clemson Football's official Twitter account (@ClemsonFB).

"Thank you to Coach Swinney, the Clemson staff & the best fans in college football for an incredible two years," Cooper said in his statement. 

"This is no reflection of the Clemson family but rather a direct reflection of my drive to lead, play, and compete. Orange and Purple will always be in my heart."

Cooper, a Jonesboro, Georgia native, played in seven games this season for the Tigers. He was the first quarterback in the game when Kelly Bryant went down with an injury at Syracuse and battled for the backup role with Hunter Johnson.

He completed 25 of 41 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.

With Cooper leaving, Clemson's big quarterback room will get a little smaller. It opens up the competition for Johnson, Chase Brice, and highly anticipated five-star quarterback Trevor Lawrence this spring.

We'll keep you updated if we hear anything further on where Cooper is headed and what this means for the backup quarterbacks.