The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Texas defensive end elects to transfer
04.14.2004 | Football
AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas sophomore defensive end Chase Pittman (Shreveport, La./Evangel Christian HS) has elected to transfer, he said on Wednesday. Pittman, who has been given an unconditional release from his scholarship by UT, will complete the spring semester in Austin and has not yet decided what school he will transfer to.
"I've really enjoyed my time here with Coach Brown, the staff, all the guys and everyone at UT, but I'm at a point in my life where I'm looking for a fresh start," said Pittman. "I'm leaving my options open on where I'll go next, but the most important thing I want people to know is this is a personal decision on my part. It has nothing to do with UT. I'm just really looking to find a place where I can start over."
"I can't thank everyone at Texas enough. I've met a lot of great people and made some really good friends. Going back to when I was being recruited until now, it's been a great experience. I'll miss everyone, but I'll definitely be watching and pulling for the Longhorns no matter where I am."
Pittman capped the 2004 spring season by posting three tackles, including two TFLs and a sack, in the Orange-White game on April 3. A two-time All-State pick as a prepster at Evangel Christian, he saw action in 10 games last season, registering 10 tackles, four TFLs, 2.5 sacks and three pressures as a redshirt freshman. A shoulder injury forced him to redshirt as a true freshman in 2002.
A 6-foot-5, 270-pound lineman, Chase is the younger brother of the late Cole Pittman, a two-year letterman on the defensive line at UT from 1999-2000 who lost his life in a tragic auto accident on Feb. 26, 2001.
"Chase had a great spring and was competing for a starting spot, so we hate to see him go," said Head Coach Mack Brown. "We wish he would stay, but we certainly understand. We will try to help him anyway we can in getting to a new place where he can start fresh.
"The Pittmans will always have a special place in our program and our hearts. We all struggled with Cole's loss and nobody more than the family and especially a younger brother like Chase. We wish him the best and will always be here for him."
