Backup Oklahoma State QB Seeks Transfer

Sunday, January 28th 2007, 7:52 pm

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) _ Backup Oklahoma State quarterback Al Pena visited with the Houston coaching staff on Sunday and is hoping to receive a waiver from the NCAA to be able to play for the Cougars after he graduates from OSU.

Pena is due to graduate in May with one year of eligibility remaining. He had planned to take advantage of an NCAA rule that allowed athletes who have graduated with eligibility remaining to transfer to another school without having to sit out a year. The NCAA changed that rule earlier this month.

``The words 'shattered dreams' just went through my mind,'' Pena's father, George Pena, said in an interview with Houston television station KRIV.

Al Pena, who didn't play for the Cowboys in 2006, said he was disappointed because the transfer was in his plans.

``It was in my plans when the rule was still in place,'' he said. ``I could have graduated in December and got it done and still be in with that rule.''

Pena threw for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns in 2005.

Pena began his college career at Georgia Tech and transferred to Oklahoma State after one semester.