Alabama has granted quarterback Phillip Sims permission to transfer, the school announced on Friday. Alabama will let Sims transfer to Virginia if he chooses the Cavaliers, a source said. Sims competed with AJ McCarron for the starting position for the national champion Crimson Tide last spring but was beaten out. "This was a very difficult decision because I've had a great experience at the University of Alabama and I'm thankful for the opportunity this program provided me," said Sims in a school release. "I want to thank Coach (Nick) Saban and the coaching staff for being with me and my family at this time. I wouldn't change anything about my decision to come to Alabama and this has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. "The reason for me leaving is nothing more than a personal matter. I just need to be closer to home to support my family at this time and that needs to be my priority right now. I would still like to continue my football career, and hopefully I can do that and also be there for my family." Read more" http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7864605/backup-qb-phillip-sims-transfer-alabama
