By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Former Briarwood Christian School football standout Barrett Trotter has decided to forego his final season of eligibility at Auburn University, said head coach Gene Chizik in a press conference Jan. 16.

In eight games in 2011, including seven starts, the Tigers’ junior quarterback completed 92-of-167 passes for 1,184 yards with 11 touchdown passes.

A two-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll recipient, Trotter graduated in August of 2011 with a degree in communications and is currently enrolled in graduate school at Auburn.

“My four years at Auburn has been a great experience and I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had, however, I have decided to forgo my senior season,” Trotter said. “I’m truly blessed to have been a part of winning seasons and championships during my time at Auburn. I’m also very appreciative of Coach Chizik and the coaching staff, as well as my teammates and the entire Auburn family.”

Trotter replaced an injured Clint Moseley in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and helped lead the Tigers to a 43-24 come-from-behind victory over Virginia on New Year’s Eve. Trotter threw for 175 yards on 11-of-18 passing with one touchdown and finished with 32 yards rushing against the Cavaliers.

“Barrett is a great young man who ended his career in a fitting way by helping lead our team to victory in the Chick-fil-A Bowl,” Chizik said. “We are very appreciative to Barrett for his contributions to Auburn both on and off the field, and wish him nothing but the best as he takes the next step in his life.”

Trotter faced the daunting task of replacing Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton this season. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior led the Tigers to wins over Utah State, Mississippi State, Florida Atlantic and South Carolina before being replaced by backup Clint Moseley at halftime of the Tigers’ game against Florida in October.

Trotter suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during spring practice in his redshirt freshman season and didn’t play in his first two seasons on the Plains. Trotter played in 14 games during his career, throwing for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns.