Miami QB Marve to transfer

Dec 30, 2008 - 7:27 PM CORAL GABLES, Florida (Ticker) -- Miami quarterback Robert Marve has been granted a release to transfer from the program, the school announced Tuesday.

The decision ended a rough month for Marve and marked the latest episode in a turbulent offseason for the Hurricanes, who fired offensive coordinator Patrick Nix on Monday after losing to California in this past weekend's Emerald Bowl.

Marve, a redshirt freshman, started 11 of Miami's 12 regular-season games this season but was suspended for the bowl game because of academic issues.

The highly touted Marve also was suspended by Miami head coach Randy Shannon for the Hurricanes' season-opening win over Charleston Southern.

Numerous media outlets have reported that Marve and Shannon had a strained relationship throughout the season. But Miami did not disclose a reason behind Marve's decision to transfer, saying only that the school granted his release.

Marve completed 54.5 percent of his passes this season for 1,293 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He split time throughout the season with true freshman Jacory Harris, who figures to have the inside track for the starting role next year.

Marve reportedly has expressed interest in transferring to an SEC school, particularly Florida, Tennessee or Louisiana State.