Defensive lineman Cody Blue says he's leaving Maryland

Third-year defensive lineman Cody Blue (Wilde Lake) said Tuesday night that he's leaving the Maryland football program, becoming the seventh player with eligibility remaining to announce his departure since the season ended.

Blue played in four games this past season and was credited with five tackles, including one for a loss.

***

UPDATE: Maryland issued a statement today in response to queries about Blue.

"We have had discussions with Cody regarding a number of university and athletics department issues, which we will not discuss publicly," Kevin Anderson, the school's athletic director, said in the prepared remarks. "Should he decide to transfer, we certainly wish him well in his future athletic and academic ventures.”

***


Blue began his career as a defensive lineman, then was moved to the offensive line by former coach Ralph Friedgen. Then Blue -- who was being used as a tight end on the scout team -- was switched back to defense by first-year Maryland coach Randy Edsall.

The Baltimore Sun called Blue's family home to inquire about Internet rumors that he was leaving. His mother referred the call to the player, who said Tuesday night that "I had a talk with [athletic director] Kevin Anderson and Coach Edsall. I decided not to come back next year. It's best for me to try my last two years at another university."

Blue did not want to say more about his departure, at least until the school issues a public statement. He said his leaving amounted to "nothing against Maryland and the coaches at all." He said he was in the process of getting his transcripts released. 

Blue arrived at Maryland in 2009 and redshirted his first year. He said he'll have two more seasons of eligibility.

Maryland said last week that defensive back Titus Till, a starter at safety, and reserve running backs Rahsaan Moore and Jeremiah Wilson were leaving. Running back D.J. Adams, defensive lineman David Mackall (Edmondson) and offensive tackle R.J. Dill are also departing.