FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas quarterback Alex Mortensen will transfer to Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., in time for the 2006 season it was announced by UA head coach Houston Nutt on Sunday. Mortensen spent two years with the Razorbacks redshirting in 2004 and playing in four games as a reserve in 2005. He will have three years of collegiate eligibility remaining at Samford.

          “We wish Alex the best as he pursues the remainder of his college football career at Samford,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “Alex is a quality young man and has represented the Razorback program well. We appreciate the contributions he made to our program both on and off the field in his two years with us.”

          In 2005, Mortensen logged time against Missouri State, Southern California, Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. He completed six-of-17 pass attempts for 63 yards and one touchdown. He also had two interceptions. In the season opener against Missouri State, he completed one of three passes for 20 yards. He played the final series of the first half and the entire second half against Southern California after Robert Johnson left the game with an injured back. Mortensen completed 4-of-10 passes for 38 yards and his first career touchdown and interception against No. 1 USC. He quarterbacked the Hogs’ final drive against Mississippi State, completing his only pass for five yards to Reggie Fish.