Phillip Ely, who led Plant to two state championships, is leaving Alabama, transferring to the University of Toledo, Bright House Sports Network has learned.
Ely led the Panthers to back-to-back state championships in 2008 and 2009, then lost in the 2010 title game before signing with the Crimson Tide. Ely redshirted his freshman year, and saw limited time last season. He will transfer to Toldeo immediately, Panthers head coach Robert Weiner told BHSN in a text message.
"He has left Alabama on good terms with his coaches and teammates and university, and would like to say thank you to all of them for a great experience," Weiner said in a text. "He would just like to pursue other educational and football opportunities at this time. Phillip is incredibly excited to join Head Coach Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Coach Jason Candle as a Toledo Rocket."
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound QB will have to sit out the 2013 season per NCAA transfer regulations, but will have two years of eligibility left.
Ely backed up A.J. McCarron, and won two national championships with Alabama. He played in just six games in 2012, completing 3-of-4 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. He's been to five straight championship games dating back to high school, winning four of them.
"What can I say, I'm truly blessed to be a part of great programs," Ely said in a phone conversation with BHSN. "Back in high school, I had the opportunity to play in three state championships and won two. In college, I got to win two in a row, it's almost unheard of...I can always take what I've learned from both experiences and carry it on to the next spot."
Ultimately, playing time was a factor in Ely's decision to transfer.
"The reps weren't going to be in my favor, and they were upfront with me," Ely said. "I had to make a business decision for myself and find a place that would be a good fit for me for the next three years."
Ely began the transfer process after spring football. He sat down with Alabama coaches, and they granted his release, he said. He was deciding between transferring to Vanderbilt, Illinois and Toledo, and ultimately chose the Rockets after taking a visit to campus.
"I just felt in my gut it would be a good fit for me," he said. "The coaches there are a young staff. It almost reminded me of Plant, very warm and welcoming. I felt like they had a great thing going there."
Ely was a star in South Tampa, and was named a U.S. Army All-American his senior season. He passed for 2,731 yards and 26 touchdowns, while completing 64.3 percent of his passes.
He said he's learned a lot from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, and doesn't regret signing with the Crimson Tide in 2011.
"What I've learned there, I can definitely take to another school," he said. "I never regret going there, I wouldn't be the person I am today without that."