Former Bowling Green High School football standout Ryan Wallace has opted to transfer from the University of Colorado.

Wallace, who sat out the 2008 season as a redshirt, said today he’s leaving Colorado because he wants to be closer to home.

“Going that far away kind of takes a toll on you,” Wallace said.

Wallace said he is the early stages of choosing a new school and declined to name specific schools he is considering.

“I’m talking with a few people and meeting with a few people, but I’m not really sure right now,” Wallace said.

Possibly factoring into Wallace’s decision is the fact he’s already sat out one year. If he transferred to another NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) school, he would have to sit out another year – thereby losing a year of collegiate eligibility.

He would be eligible right away if he transferred to a Football Championship Subdivision school.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end helped lead the Purples to three state runner-up appearances and finished his senior season with 669 yards and seven touchdowns on 48 catches. Wallace was ranked as the No. 29 tight end in the nation in the 2007 class, according to Scout.com.

He originally committed to Louisville, but reopened his recruiting process and ultimately decided on Colorado.

Wallace said he is grateful for his time at the Big 12 school.

“The coaches and the stuff out there were great,” Wallace said. “It was a great atmosphere, but it was a totally opposite culture and just not getting to see your family very much takes a toll on you.”

Wallace was one of three Purples in the class of 2008 to sign with FBS programs, joining Jared Carpenter (Northwestern) and D.L. Moore (South Carolina).