BOULDER, Colo. -- Craig Ochs, Colorado's starting quarterback, won't play again this season after suffering his third concussion in the past year.

Ochs hasn't played since he was hurt in a game against San Diego State Sept. 7. Extensive medical tests came back normal but Ochs advised coach Gary Barnett on Monday that his season is over.

Ochs, a junior who has started since his freshman year, will apply for a medical waiver redshirt for this season. He also will withdraw as a student from Colorado and relinquish his athletic scholarship.

In a statement, Ochs said he will reevaluate his options for returning to play football next season.

"I was very surprised,'' Barnett said. "We totally respect his decision and it was a family decision all the way. He wants to pull himself out and see if he can get himself healthy.

"I don't know that Craig's career is over, but it is for this year. He is stepping away, that's what it is,'' Barnett said. "I think this whole thing has been hard on him because he is such a competitor and he wants to play.''

Ochs' first concussion in college came in September 2001 against Kansas. Later in that season, he got a second one against Texas A&M and was held out of the Texas game. Ochs also had a concussion in high school.

Backup quarterback Robert Hodge has started in Ochs' place.