March 29, 2004

FURMAN QUARTERBACK JOSH STEPP TO TRANSFER

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman head football coach Bobby Lamb announced today that quarterback Josh Stepp has informed him of his plans to transfer at the end of the current semester.

"I met with Josh and his father earlier today and Josh informed me of his plans to transfer to seek playing time at another school," said Lamb early Monday afternoon. "We hate to lose any player, especially a young man of the caliber and character of Josh, but I certainly understand his desire for playing time. We wish him the very best."

"I appreciate the opportunity I've been given at Furman and am sorry things didn't work out," said Stepp. "I just want to play, and I wish the wish Furman football the best of luck in the future."

As a redshirt freshman in 2003, Stepp saw action in six games and completed 26-of-44 passes for 381 yards and one touchdown while throwing one interception. He also rushed 38 times for 118 yards and two scores. The Pelion, S.C., product earned starts versus The Citadel and East Tennessee State after a knee injury sidelined Paladin starting quarterback Bo Moore. Against East Tennessee State he earned Southern Conference Freshman-of-the-Week honors after completing 10-of-14 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score in helping Furman to a 30-10 win over the Buccaneers.

In the most recent offensive depth chart released last week, Stepp was listed as the Paladins' No. 3 quarterback behind transfer Ingle Martin and Bo Moore. Martin has two years of eligibility remaining and Moore has one season. In Saturday's scrimmage Stepp completed 4-of-8 passes for 20 yards and an interception. Expected to take over the Stepp's slot in the depth chart is rising redshirt freshman Renaldo Gray.

Furman concludes spring practice on Wednesday.