4 College Football Studs Who Should Transfer

Whenever a potentially great college football player finds himself falling out of favor with his team, a transfer may be in order.

This was precisely the case with former Texas QB Garrett Gilbert.

Two years ago, the highly touted prospect was leading Texas from behind in the BCS Championship Game. Now, after on-field struggles and injuries, Gilbert has decided to transfer. The decision could guarantee him a starting role at another school.

Here are four other players who could benefit from a change of scenery.

Jeff Driskel, QB, Florida

The freshman was rated by Rivals.com as the top quarterback in the class of 2011. He stands 6'3", 225 pounds.

With starting QB John Brantley out the previous three games due to an ankle injury, Florida has used the services of both Driskel and fellow freshman QB Jacoby Brissett. To date, Driskel has completed 16-of-34 passes for 148 yards and two interceptions.

Why He Should Transfer

While Driskel and Brissett are both big-time talents, the fact they are both true freshman poses a problem. Once Brantley graduates, one will be named a starter, and the other will be displaced.

Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has said that Brissett is currently above Driskel on the depth chart. If he is still behind Brissett in 2012, Driskel may have to look to another FBS school to carry out this three final years of eligibility.

Driskel is simply too talented to split time or sit on the bench.

Dillon Baxter, RB, USC

Dillon Baxter won the 2009 Hall Trophy as the most outstanding high school football player. He committed to USC, attempting to follow the lead of the Trojans' myriad of legendary tailbacks.

Baxter played sparing as a freshman in 2010, running for 252 yards and a score. His role has been further diminished as a sophomore, with only nine carries and 29 yards.

It was announced earlier this week that he is no longer on the team, possibly due to academic issues.

Why He Should Transfer

Dillon Baxter is still enrolled at the university, and his stepfather has said that the RB wants to stay. Buried on the depth chart, Baxter is in a poor situation even if he eventually rejoins the team.

Entering college, Baxter was hyped as the next Reggie Bush. Even if he can't reach those lofty standards, he will definitely be able to find more carries outside the University of Southern California.

With two years of eligibility remaining, he should make a difference at another FBS school.

Max Wittek, QB, USC

Like Matt Leinart and Matt Barkley before him, Max Wittek was a hyped recruit from Mater Dei High School.

The 6'4", 215 pounds, Wittek was ranked as the class of 2011's third-best pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com. Unfortunately, the second-best, Cody Kessler, also signed with USC.

Why He Should Tranfer

It's still unknown if junior Matt Barkley will return for his senior season. If he does, it will be one more wasted year for Wittek.

Even if Barkley does bolt for the 2012 NFL Draft, it's likely Cody Kessler will be the starter. A signal-caller as good as Wittek can't afford to ride the pine.

He should find a FBS school with a better opportunity.

Nick Montana, QB, Washington

Being the son of the greatest quarterback in NFL history is sure to get you noticed. But Nick Montana also gained headlines for his outstanding play at Oaks Christian High School.

Montana committed to UW as a top-20 QB of the class of 2010. He is currently a redshirt freshman, backing up sophomore starter Keith Price.

Why He Should Transfer

Keith Price has done an outstanding job of replacing 2011 first-rounder Jake Locker, throwing 22 touchdowns in just seven games.

With Price having two years of eligibility remaining after the 2011 season, Montana would likely only be able to start as a fifth-year senior. And that's assuming that Jeff Lindquist and Cyler Miles, two top-20 QBs from the class of 2012, don't eventually overtake him on the depth chart.

Montana's best bet would be to take the Joe Flacco route and transfer to an FCS school; there he could start three years and prove he's more than a famous name.