QB Thomas Sirk to transfer from Duke for final season

Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk has decided to transfer for his final season, coach David Cutcliffe announced Monday.

Sirk was granted a sixth year of eligibility after he missed the 2016 season while rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon.

Sirk is still rehabbing the injury and has not been medically cleared yet to resume practice. Duke started spring football earlier this month, and Sirk has remained on the sideline.

The Achilles injury was the third of Sirk's career. After he got injured, Daniel Jones replaced him in the starting lineup and set several Duke school passing records. Cutcliffe had maintained that Jones would be the starting quarterback moving forward.

"First and foremost, we are 100 percent supportive of Thomas and his decision to complete his eligibility at another school," Cutcliffe said in a statement. "I've said it many times before: Thomas is an incredible young man. He's conscientious, dedicated and what I would consider the ultimate teammate due to his selflessness and leadership qualities. Thomas loves Duke. He and I have had great discussion regarding this decision, and his love for this university and everything it represents is what made this decision so difficult for him."

Sirk started the 2015 season for the Blue Devils and racked up 3,428 total yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history. He injured his Achilles early in 2016 and rehabbed to return for the start of the season. But he suffered a setback during fall practice and was forced to sit out.

In an interview last month, Sirk told ESPN he wanted an opportunity to start again at Duke.

"I have no doubts in my mind I can play football again," Sirk said at the time. "My body's feeling great right now. Playing football is my dream and I want to play at the next level, and I'm not going to give up on that dream until there's nothing else I can do. I got granted a sixth year for a reason, and for me that reason is to play football again."