HUNTINGTON -- Huntington High's C.J. Crawford doesn't know what college football uniform he'll wear in 2009, but he'll be in a different high school uniform this fall.

Crawford said Friday he won't be with the Highlanders as a senior. Crawford said his parents are sending him to Nitro High School.

"I'm headed to play football at Nitro and that's all my parents told me," Crawford said. "I'll miss my teammates at Huntington, but like I said this was a decision made by my parents and not me.

"I have been in Hurricane all day and it was my parents that withdrew me from Huntington and enrolled me in Nitro. I didn't do that."

Crawford was the primary identity of the Huntington High team last season that had a 1-9 record. Despite the lack of winning, his individual recruiting stock has soared with impressive performances at national camps and combines.

He has narrowed his college choices to Marshall, West Virginia, Penn State, Virginia and Wake Forest.

Huntington High second-year head coach Zach Wilson seemed to be surprised but undaunted about losing his top player.

"I have heard from a counselor's aid that C.J. officially withdrew today," Wilson said. "I also questioned athletic director Bruce Senior about C.J.'s status and he also acknowledged that he had withdrew.

"We wish him the best and we are just going to move forward. As a team you have to get ready to play football with the players you have."

Wilson is already thinking ahead and could possibly announce soon that sophomore Tyler Hutchison will be the new starting quarterback.

Hutchison played for the HHS basketball team last season.

"I think C.J. is the best athlete in the state and it hurts us that he's leaving," Hutchison said. "But I'm more than excited to step up and take on the leadership role of becoming our next quarterback."

In order to be eligible, Crawford had to be enrolled Friday at Nitro. It was the Wildcats' final day of school.

Crawford said his father has moved to Nitro and has an apartment near the school.

Last season the 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior passed for more than 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was equally lethal with his feet, rushing for 500 yards and seven touchdowns.

Now, he's heading to a Nitro team that's looking to hire a head coach. Scott Tinsley left the Wildcats to coach at WVU Tech.

Oddly enough, the only team Huntington High knocked off last season was Nitro, 28-24, in the final regular season game.

If Crawford plays for Nitro this year the matchup at Huntington High on Oct. 31 will be much-anticipated.

Crawford expects to play quarterback for the Wildcats, but nothing is certain.

What is certain is Huntington High will move on with a second-year high energy coach who believes in his players and coaching staff.

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