Report: Alabama QB Philip Sims Transferring To Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers have made a major steal, poaching quarterback Phillip Sims from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.

Former Alabama quarterback Phillip Sims has told Virginia coaches he will enroll at the school

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Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 30, 2012

Sims, a redshirt freshman last year, competed with AJ McCarron for the starting QB position on the Crimson Tide. He lost out, but he still played a few snaps as McCarron’s backup — in eight games, he completed 64 percent of his passes for zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Sims, a native of Chesapeake, Va., issued a statement Friday saying he needed to be closer to home to support his family. He originally chose Alabama over Georgia, Tennessee, FSU and Clemson, but this move to Charlottesville puts him much closer to home.

Sims could possibly attempt to be immediately eligible to play through an NCAA appeal citing family circumstances.