Updated

LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California freshman quarterback Ricky Town says he is transferring just one week into his first fall camp.

USC coach Steve Sarkisian announced Town's decision Sunday night.

Town was a touted recruit from Ventura County who graduated from high school early to participate in spring practice with the Trojans. He was a centerpiece in their most recent recruiting class, widely considered the nation's best.

But Town faced stiff competition for playing time at USC. Senior Cody Kessler is heading into his third year as a starter this fall, while sophomore backup Max Browne and fellow freshman Sam Darnold also are elite prospects.

By transferring now, Town can immediately redshirt this season, making him eligible to play in 2016.

Town verbally committed to Alabama two years ago, but changed his mind.