Oregon State quarterback Seth Collins to transfer

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Dual-threat quarterback Seth Collins, who was electrifying but inconsistent in a freshman year marred by injury, is transferring from

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Dual-threat quarterback Seth Collins, who was electrifying but inconsistent in a freshman year marred by injury, is transferring from Oregon State.

The school announced Friday night that he was leaving. The Beavers finished 2-10 in Gary Andersen's first year as coach, going without a conference win for the first time since 1997.

Collins passed for 936 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions. He led the Beavers in rushing with 380 yards and eight touchdowns.

''I thank Oregon State for a great year,'' Collins said in a statement released by the school. ''But it is in my best interest to pursue my education and football somewhere else.'' The statement did not say where that would be.

After winning a three-way battle in fall camp, Collins was also the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Beavers since David Moran against Washington State in 1996.

He shared duties at the start of the season with redshirt freshman Marcus McMaryion as the Beavers sought to give three inexperienced quarterbacks game experience in Andersen's new system.

Collins impressed in the opener against Weber State, when he turned heads by leaping over free safety Josh Burton on a run in the second half.

But he missed four games late in the season with a left knee injury, and redshirt freshman Nick Mitchell assumed duties as starter.

Collins, who is from El Cajon, California, returned in the Civil War finale against Oregon, running for three touchdowns while sharing duties with McMaryion, who made his first career start in the 52-42 loss. Collins lined up as quarterback, receiver and running back during the game.

Last month, Mitchell announced his transfer from Oregon State, going to Dixie State. In addition to McMaryion, the Beavers also have Utah State transfer Darell Garrettson, who sat out last season because of NCAA rules.

Likewise, if Collins were to transfer to an FBS-level school, he would have to sit out next season.