USC QB Corp transfers to Richmond

Former University of Southern California quarterback Aaron Corp will transfer to the University of Richmond and begin classes during the spring semester, which starts on Monday.

"I am very excited to get on campus and start classes," Corp said during an interview with the Richmond sports information department. "Richmond allowed me the opportunity to compete and play right away and I was very comfortable meeting with Coach Scott and his staff."

The story first broke earlier this afternoon and was confirmed by the Richmond athletic department just before 6 p.m.

Corp marks the first signing for new head coach Latrell Scott, who took over for former head coach Mike London on Dec. 15. Scott recently named many of his assistant coaches, most notably offensive coordinator Wayne Lineburg, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Spiders during 2007 under head coach Dave Clawson.

"This is an exciting time at the University of Richmond and we are thrilled to welcome Aaron to the Spider football family," Scott said. "He is a standout football player, an even better young man and we're expecting him to compete for playing time in the spring."

Corp appeared during three games last season for USC backing up freshman Matt Barkley. He had come into the season as the projected starter for the Trojans before injuring his knee during training camp and losing the starting job to Barkley.

Corp is a redshirt sophomore and because he transferred down from USC, a Football Bowl Subdivision team, to Richmond, a Football Championship Subdivision team, he does not have to sit out a year. If he had transferred within the FBS, he would have only been eligible to play during his senior season, but will have two years of eligibility with the Spiders.

Corp also cited Richmond's academic strength in his major field of international studies as a reason for his decision to transfer to the Spiders.

As a high school player at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif., Corp started for three seasons and accounted for more than 8,600 total yards and 76 touchdowns.

Corp will likely compete with Richmond's redshirt freshman quarterback John Laub for the starting position next fall. Laub, who backed up four-year starter Eric Ward during 2009, appeared during five games for the Spiders and passed for 122 yards on 18 attempts. He threw one interception and rushed for a touchdown.

Richmond will open its new on-campus stadium next season and it is likely that the winner of the quarterback battle between Corp and Laub will lead the Spiders during the first game in the new stadium.

Coach Scott and Corp will be available to the media for questions on Monday.

This story will be updated.

Contact staff writer Reilly Moore at reilly.moore@richmond.edu.