Xzavier Gaines has quit the Syracuse football team, according to a press release issued by the athletic department Tuesday. Gaines left the team to focus on academic interests.

The junior quarterback first told The Daily Orange on Wednesday, Sept. 29, about the possibility of leaving the team. Gaines had a meeting Monday at 2 p.m. with SU head coach Paul Pasqualoni to discuss his situation. He was given all of last week off from practice because of personal issues, Pasqualoni said Monday.

Prior to the start of the season, Syracuse had a three-quarterback race for the starting job. Freshman Joe Fields was named the starter before the season’s first game. After Fields and sophomore Perry Patterson split time throughout the team’s first four games, it became clear that Gaines would not see significant playing time. Patterson eventually won the job from Fields. Gaines’ departure leaves SU with Fields, Patterson and redshirt freshman Matt Hale as the remaining quarterbacks on the roster.

Gaines only appeared in one game this year, rushing four times for 11 yards.