Virginia QB Rocco gets release to go elsewhere

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco is transferring.

Coach Mike London says he met Friday with the junior quarterback who started 21 games in the past two seasons and granted Rocco's request to be released from his scholarship. Rocco plans to complete the current semester at Virginia.

Rocco started all 13 games as a sophomore and led Virginia to an 8-5 record and its first bowl game since the 2007 season.

He began this season as the starter after winning the job in preseason competition with Alabama transfer Phillip Sims. Rocco started the first five games, then lost the job to Sims after the Cavaliers lost three straight.

Rocco regained the job - and most of the playing time - for the last two games of the season.