EUGENE, Ore. -- Senior defensive end Victor Filipe has informed University of Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti that he intends to transfer from the football program for personal reasons.

The former Salt Lake City, Utah prep started five games in 2005 and finished the year with five tackles before redshirting last season after suffering an elbow injury early in fall camp. He had accumulated nine tackles in three seasons of play, including three tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks.

"Victor came to me and requested his release and I have granted it," Bellotti said. "He would have played a lot of football for us but he wanted a situation where he could play every down."

The 6-3, 290-pound defensive lineman was battling for a starting role with sophomore transfer Will Tukuafu.

Oregon opens the season Sept. 1 when it hosts the University of Houston beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Autzen Stadium.

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