Austin -- Texas junior QB Garrett Gilbert has elected to transfer, he confirmed Wednesday. Gilbert, who has been given an unconditional release from his scholarship by UT, will depart the program after three seasons.

"This was a very difficult decision because I love TheUniversity of Texas and have had a great time playing there," Gilbert said. "I've talked to (Head) Coach (Mack) Brown, (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Coach (Bryan) Harsin and the staff and have decided it is in my best interest to transfer. I can't thank all of my teammates and everyone at Texas enough for all of their support, but I just think I'm at a point in my life where I need a fresh start.

"Coach Brown was very understanding and granted me a release to take some visits while I decide where I'm going to transfer to. That's what I'll be doing while I continue school at Texas this semester. I'm excited to focus on getting my shoulder back to 100 percent and to decide where my next step will be, but I will always be thankful for my opportunity at Texas and be pulling for all of my friends and family in the Longhorns program."

A second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2010, Gilbert has played in 24 career games, including 14 starts. He has completed 305-of-538 passes for 3,301 yards (No. 9 on UT’s career list), including eleven 200-yard passing games. He also has rushed 118 times for 400 yards and six TDs to record 3,701 career yards of total offense. He started all 12 games in 2010, throwing for 2,744 yards (No. 7 on the UT single-season list) and registering 3,124 yards (No. 6 on the UT single-season list) of total offense.