VALDOSTA — Valdosta State head coach David Dean announced Thursday that rising sophomore quarterback Chris Hart has decided to temporarily leave the school and will not play during the 2009 season.

The VSU athletic department would not comment further on why Hart left, citing legal reasons.

Hart is currently enrolled at Georgia Military College, and he has indicated that he will return to VSU and the football program prior to the 2010 season.

Hart shared the quarterback duties with senior Tucker Pruitt during the 2009 season as he played in all 12 games, including four starts. He completed 143-of-251 pass attempts, a 57.0 completion percentage, for 1841 yards and 19 touchdowns. Hart threw just five interceptions on the year and owned a 138.58 quarterback rating. He also rushed for 243 yards and two touchdowns on the year.

“Chris has decided that it would be best for him to take a year off and we support his decision,” said Dean. “We look forward to his return to Valdosta State and wish him and his family the best during this time.”