Marcus Trice, a former Mesquite standout who spent the first two seasons of his college career at Oklahoma, is in the process of transferring to North Texas, a source close to the situation said Sunday. Marcus Trice
Trice played sparingly in his two seasons with the Sooners and announced that he would transfer in March.
"Marcus is looking for another opportunity and we'll do everything we can to help him find the best situation," Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said in a prepared statement when Trice left the program. "Marcus has worked hard here and will leave with our best wishes."
Trice, a 5-7, 190-pound defensive back, will enroll at UNT and sit out the upcoming season. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining beginning in 2012.
Trice was rated among the top cornerbacks in the country following his senior season at Mesquite. Rivals.com rated him No. 20 nationally among cornerbacks, while Scout.com had him rated No. 25. Rivals.com also rated him No. 178 among all players nationally.
Trice played as a freshman as a backup safety and on special teams at Oklahoma and finished with three tackles. Last year, Trice finished with nine tackles and forced a fumble while playing in 14 games.
Trice was unavailable for comment, but told the Tulsa World when he left Oklahoma that he was looking for a fresh start.
"It [Oklahoma] was my dream school," Trice said. "I pretty much always wanted to come to OU since I was little. I fulfilled my dream to play here at the University of Oklahoma, and I got to play early. Right now, I'm just looking to get on the field and play somewhere."
Trice could get the opportunity at UNT. Three of the cornerbacks on the Mean Green's depth chart following spring practice will be seniors this fall, including starters Royce Hill and D'Leon McCord.
Oklahoma recruited Trice as a cornerback, but he also saw time at safety. Three of the four safeties on UNT's post-spring depth chart are also seniors, including starters Brad Graham and John Shorter.
Trice would be the second player to transfer to UNT from Bowl Championship Series automatic qualifying conference in the last two months. Former Arkansas offensive lineman Cam Feldt also transferred to UNT in early June and will also sit out the upcoming season.
BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com
