NEWARK, DE -- Rob Schoenhoft, who played in a backup role at quarterback at Ohio State the past three seasons, has transferred to the University of Delaware and will battle for the starting job this fall, Blue Hen head coach K.C. Keeler has announced.

Schoenhoft (at right), a 6-6, 245-pounder, will have two years of eligibility at Delaware. He is enrolled in classes at UD for the spring semester, which started Monday, and will take part in Delaware spring drills.

Spring practice will begin March 14 with the annual Blue-White Spring Game Apr. 19. He will battle to take over the starting spot left open by the graduation of record-setting All-American and 2007 Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Co-Player of the Year Joe Flacco.

Schoenhoft lost out to Todd Boeckman for the starting quarterback spot at Ohio State before the start of the season and battled for the No. 2 spot with Antonio Henton. He appeared in seven games this past fall for the Buckeyes, who advanced to the Bowl Championship Series national championship game before falling to Louisiana State 38-24 in New Orleans.

“Rob adds great depth to the position,” said Keeler, who led his 2007 Delaware squad to an 11-4 record and a berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game before falling to three-time defending champion Appalachian State. “He is a big, athletic, strong-armed kid who had an amazing high school career. Everyone we spoke with about Rob remarked about his intelligence and leadership abilities. We are excited to see him out here for spring practice.”

A native of Mason, OH, Schoenhoft was ranked as the No. 17 quarterback in the 2005 recruiting class out of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati by Scout.com, ahead of 2007 Heisman finalists Colt Brennan of Hawaii and Chase Daniel of Missouri. He threw for 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior, leading his team to the second round of the state tournament. He threw 12 touchdown passes as a junior. He also was a standout basketball player and led his team to the state finals as a senior.

In seven games as a sophomore for Ohio State in 2007, he completed 17 of 25 passes for 129 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2006.

"I like the offense here and they produce quarterbacks," Schoenhoft said. "It was pretty much Delaware all the way. I believe I will get an opportunity to play at Delaware. No guarantees, but I think I have a great chance.”