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While the battle for CU’s starting quarterback job isn’t expected to be settled before August, one candidate broke his thumb in April and another bowed out of the competition.

Sophomore quarterback Matt Ballenger, who saw playing time as No. 2 QB in 2008, decided to transfer out of the CU program. Ballenger, unhappy with his status as the No. 3 QB in spring ball, may pursue football and/or basketball options elsewhere.

“I understand the nature of it; guys want to play,” coach Dan Hawkins says.

That leaves junior Cody Hawkins and sophomore Tyler Hansen vying for the top QB job. The competition remained close throughout spring, but Hansen broke the thumb of his throwing hand in the spring game and underwent surgery that weekend. He’s expected to recover by mid-June.

The Buffs named assistant head coach Eric Kiesau their offensive coordinator and QB coach on April 30. Kiesau replaces Mark Helfrich, who took an offensive coordinator coaching position at Oregon.

Meanwhile, linebacker Brad Jones (Econ’08) was the lone CU player selected in late April’s NFL draft. Jones went to the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round.