Backup Texas QB Sherrod Harris won’t return for final season so he can focus on graduating

Backup Texas QB leaving to focus on academics

AUSTIN, Texas — Backup Texas quarterback Sherrod Harris won’t return for his final season so he can focus on getting his degree.

Harris said Friday he had “a couple of tough semesters” and wanted to stay on track to graduate in December. He is majoring in corporate communications.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder from the Dallas area played in five games during three seasons as a backup to Colt McCoy.

Harris was the No. 3 quarterback last year behind McCoy and then-freshman Garrett Gilbert, the new starter who played most of the BCS championship game loss to Alabama after McCoy got hurt.

The backup battle will be between a pair of freshmen — Connor Wood and Case McCoy, Colt’s brother.