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Arizona Wildcats redshirt junior tight end Trevor Wood will transfer from the program, he announced Monday on Twitter.
“I want to thank the University of Arizona for the last four years. Met many great people and did so many great things that I’ll never forget,” Wood wrote.
“I have made the decision that I am going to finish out my academic and athletic career at another university. To my Wildcat family, teammates, coaches, and all thank you for everything and I’m always a phone call away. Much love and best of luck to all. ... The journey continues.”
Wood’s departure is not related to the firing of head coach Rich Rodriguez, rather he wants to stay on offense and play for a school that better uses its tight ends, per Michael Lev of the Arizona Daily Star.
Arizona TE Trevor Wood tells me he has been given his release to transfer. Will be a grad transfer w/out restrictions. NOT related to UA coaching change. Wants to go to school that makes better use of TE. Wood played DE in Foster Farms Bowl but prefers to play on offense.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) January 8, 2018
Wood was moved to defensive end late in the season after UA had depth issues on its defensive line.
Wood joined the UA program out of Scottsdale’s Chaparral High School back in 2014 as a highly-touted recruit — he was the No. 14 tight end in the country — but his career never took off.
Part of it had to do with injuries.
Wood played in 14 games as a freshman in 2014, but missed the entire 2015 season with a shoulder injury.
He played in 12 games in 2016, but Arizona failed to utilize him adequately as he had just seven catches for 49 yards.
Arizona did use its tight ends more in 2017, but Wood got injured in the season-opener and was subsequently displaced by freshman standout Bryce Wolma who had 28 catches.
Wood classifies as a graduate transfer so he will be able to play at his new school immediately.
He finishes his Arizona career nine catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Arizona will likely rely on Wolma and Jamie Nunley at tight end in 2018 and perhaps soon-to-be freshman Jake Peters, barring any more player movement.