After overcoming a stroke in 2012, Hegarty played in 12 games in 2013 and started 11 of the Fighting Irish’s 13 games in 2014 at center and guard.
Despite his extensive playing time, Hegarty explained that his decision to pursue a graduate transfer for his final season of college football stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding his standing on the team’s depth chart heading into the 2015 season.
Here’s his entire statement, via ESPN.com:
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Notre Dame Football program has afforded me. I want to thank Notre Dame, my coaches, my teammates and friends at school for the four great years I had at Notre Dame. I also want to thank the Notre Dame Nation for all of their support over the years. My focus has been to pour myself into everything that I have done at ND. I have worked hard and have always done everything that was asked of me. Recently my coaches informed me that they wanted me to change positions. They also explained that with many younger players in the wings, they wanted to develop them more heavily in the rotation – a need that I understand and appreciate.
"Unfortunately, I have already had to miss a precious amount of football battling back from my stroke, and I value every rep and opportunity going into my final year of college ball that much more. My goal is to contribute this season, continue to develop my skills and pursue my dream of playing in the NFL. Because of this goal, I have asked for a transfer to play at another school where I can contribute more on the field. Notre Dame has amassed formidable depth on the O-line and have many very talented players to fill all positions. So I wish everyone at ND the best this year and especially to my 15 brothers on the offensive line as they prepare for the 2015 season."
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound Hegarty, a native of Aztec, New Mexico, is set to graduate from Notre Dame in May. Hegarty was a four-star recruit who redshirted his first season with the Irish in 2011.
In 2012, he was second on the depth chart at center and appeared in the team’s first nine games, primarily on special teams, before suffering a “mini-stroke” on Nov. 8. Hegarty later underwent heart surgery in December 2012 to repair two small holes in his heart. Hegarty was able to rejoin the team for spring ball in 2013.
With Hegarty moving on to another school, Nick Martin could potentially move back to center after sliding over to left guard for most of the 2014 season.
Notre Dame begins spring practice on March 18.
For more Notre Dame news, visit BlueAndGold.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Notre Dame lineman Matt Hegarty to pursue graduate transfer
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