Gators’ QB Harris to transfer

GAINESVILLE — Florida quarterback Treon Harris has decided to transfer, looking for a fresh start after two tumultuous seasons in Gainesville.

The Gators confirmed Monday that Harris has been granted his release from scholarship. He is the seventh quarterback to leave Florida in the last four years, following Jacoby Brissett (North Carolina State), Tyler Murphy (Boston College), Max Staver (Houston Baptist), Jeff Driskel (Louisiana Tech), Skyler Mornhinweg (Columbia) and Will Grier (West Virginia).

It’s unknown where Harris will land. His time in Gainesville included three suspensions and nearly as many turnovers as touchdown passes.

He was last suspended in January for violating the university’s code of conduct policy. He was recently cleared to return to campus and was expected to switch to receiver when the Gators open fall practice next month. Florida has four quarterbacks on campus: transfers Luke Del Rio and Austin Appleby, and freshmen Kyle Trask and Feleipe Franks.

So losing Harris should have little, if any, impact on Florida’s roster.

Harris was suspended twice before, the first time in October 2014 while authorities investigated a sexual battery allegation against him. The complaint was later withdrawn, and Harris was fully reinstated. He also was suspended for one game last September for violating University Athletic Association policy.

Harris played in 20 games for the Gators and started the final eight last season, after Grier was suspended for violating the NCAA’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Harris completed 50 percent of his passes for 1,676 yards as a sophomore, with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.