By BRIANA GORMAN

bgorman@heraldsun.com; 419-6668

CHAPEL HILL -- After playing in just four games over the past three years, North Carolina redshirt sophomore quarterback Mike Paulus announced Friday that he will transfer to the College of William & Mary.

Paulus, who was a four-star recruit from Syracuse, N.Y., was the backup quarterback during 2008 and stepped in when starter T.J. Yates was lost for the season. But after one start, Paulus lost the job to Cam Sexton -- who transferred to Catawba over the summer -- and Paulus finished the season 4-of-13 for 33 yards with two interceptions in four games.

Paulus (6-5, 215) didn't get into a game this year as he lost his backup job to Braden Hanson, who has played in three games and is 2-of-6 passing for 7 yards with two interceptions.

"Mike came to me a few weeks ago and asked to be released from his scholarship so he could transfer to an FCS school," UNC coach Butch Davis said in a statement. "Mike is seeking an opportunity where he can receive more playing time, and I respect his wishes.

"We've enjoyed having Mike in our program, and I appreciate his time and his commitment during the last three seasons. Over the last few weeks, we reached out to various programs and helped him with his decision as he narrowed his choice. Mike has great character, and I wish him nothing but continued success in the future."

The Tar Heels currently are preparing to face No. 17 Pittsburgh in the Meineke Car Care Bowl on Dec. 26 (4:30 p.m., ESPN), but Paulus will not be traveling with the team to Charlotte.

He plans to enroll at William Mary in January to begin competing for a starting spot. He will not have to sit out a year because William Mary, which began its program this past season and finished 11-3, competes in the Football Championship Subdivision.

UNC and William Mary will meet in the 2010 season on Oct. 30 at Kenan Stadium.

"I'd like to thank the University of North Carolina and the coaches for all the support and help they have given me in making this decision," Paulus said in a statement. "I'm extremely grateful to have been a part of this program and university for the last three years. It's a very special place.

"I'd like to thank my teammates for their support and also the great relationships I've developed with them."