Former Illinois QB Jimmy Fitzgerald is transferring to Dartmouth

Former Illinois quarterback Jimmy Fitzgerald is headed to the Ivy League. The News-Gazette reported on Thursday night that one-time backup is headed to New Hampshire to join the Dartmouth Big Green. Fitzgerald had previously announced his departure from the Orange and Blue back in August, citing “personal reasons.”

Jimmy Fitzgerald’s Original Statement:

"After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to leave the Illinois football program and consider other opportunities for my collegiate career. I want to thank all the coaches I’ve played for and worked with at Illinois, including Coach Beckman, Coach Cubit and Coach Smith. My Illini teammates are an incredible bunch of guys and many will remain friends for life. Having grown up in this community, I’ve been a life-long fan of the Fighting Illini and it was a fantastic thrill and opportunity to wear the orange and blue. I know there are great things in the future for the Fighting Illini, but I feel this is the time for a fresh start in my collegiate career."

Fitzgerald, a graduate of Champaign Centennial High Schoool, redshirted the 2015 season after tearing his ACL during his senior campaign. He was a former three-star prospect that committed to Tim Beckman and Bill Cubit.