Dec. 22, 2000

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Quarterback C.J. Leak, who started the first three games of the 2000 season before suffering a season-ending knee injury, met with Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman earlier this week concerning his desire to transfer to another university.

"Because I will miss next football season, I think at this time it is in the best interest of the Wake Forest football program and myself that I get permission to explore the possibility of transferring. I have only heard positive things about coach Jim Grobe and his staff. My decision in no way reflects upon recent change in coaches. I only wish the best for my former teammates and the entire Wake Forest program."

Leak has not chosen another university or football program nor has he set a timetable to enroll at another school. If he does not enroll at another university in January, Leak may attend Wake Forest during the spring semester.

"C.J. is an outstanding young man and student-athlete," Wellman said. "While we are disappointed to see him depart from our program and university, we fully understand and support his decision. He has been a credit to the university since he first arrived on campus. We wish him the best and we will follow his career with great interest."

Leak came to Wake Forest in 1999 and saw action immediately as a true freshman on a team that played in the Jeep Aloha Bowl. He was Wake's starting quarterback through the first three games of the 2000 season, completing 30-of-70 passes for 341 yards, before suffering the injury at Clemson Sept. 16.