For the third time in his college football career, A.J. Bush is transferring.
The native of north Fulton County is leaving Virginia Tech for Illinois, according to a report from 247sports.
Bush has confirmed the report by way of his Twitter profile, changing his header to photo of the Fighting Illini's stadium and changing his profile to read "Fighting ILLINI Quarterback. ALL MY TRUST IS IN GOD. ATL."
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Bush told 247sports that Illinois is a “great opportunity.”
“What really stood out for me on the visit was the embrace from the coaching staff and basically the vibe, camaraderie and culture they have there," Bush told 247sports. "It's really special. They really make you feel at home and at ease. I got a lot of time in with some of the coaches. We just hit it off well.”
Illinois is coached by former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith. The Fighting Illini have a 5-19 record during his two-year tenure.
Bush, the son of Karen and Alvin of Alpharetta, played football at Milton and Norcross high schools. In his junior season for the Milton Eagles, he rushed for more than 900 yards and passed for more than 1,000. As a senior at Norcross, he led the Blue Devils to a 6A title by passing for 2,100 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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He was rated as a three-star prospect and signed with Nebraska over offers from Toledo, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia State, Kansas State, Temple and Marshall. But in two seasons in Lincoln, Bush never saw action in a game for the Cornhuskers.
Bush fled to the junior college ranks and spent a season playing for Iowa Western Community College — totaling eight scores and more than 800 yards — before landing in Blacksburg at Virginia Tech.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback played in five games for the Hokies last season, passing for 99 yards and rushing for 129.
Bush will compete for the starting job under center at Illinois. The other quarterbacks on the roster include one sophomore, Cam Thomas, and three incoming freshmen.
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