MISSOULA, Mont. -- Former Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs said he is excited to start playing for the University of Montana, but doesn't want to talk about the reasons he left his old school.

Ochs, staying in Los Angeles, told the Missoulian in a phone interview that he just recently completed his application to Montana.

"It's official,'' Ochs said. "I can't wait to get up there.''

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Ochs started 16 games at Colorado the last two-plus seasons. He passed for 1,178 yards as a true freshman in 2000 and threw for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games as a sophomore. He missed three games with an ankle injury.

Before leaving Colorado Sept. 23, Ochs suffered his third concussion in less than a year. He is requesting a medical redshirt year, and hopes to have two years of eligibility for the Division I-AA Grizzlies.

Ochs, who has declined most interviews since leaving Colorado, said he didn't want to talk about a reported falling out with head coach Gary Barnett and offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. Ochs grew up in Boulder, cheering for Colorado.

"I'm trying to do this as quiet as possible,'' Ochs said. "I still have good friends on the team and I want them to focus on their season and be successful. I don't want to be a distraction. There are still a lot of questions that I'm not going to answer. That stuff will come out in time. It doesn't need to come out right now.''

Ochs said he began contemplating leaving Colorado roughly a week before announcing his decision in a five-paragraph statement.

Ochs said he has seen well-respected doctors who tell him his history of concussions shouldn't be a problem.

"There is nothing in terms of residual effects from the concussion,'' Ochs said. "I feel as good as I have in a long time. I'm not taking any hits. I'm working out and getting back in shape.''

The former high school All-America selection said he chose Montana after researching the Grizzlies' Web site. He said Montana's winning program and close access to fly fishing, skiing and other outdoor activities attracted him. Some Pac-10 schools, including Washington, were interested in Ochs.

"The obvious choice was Montana,'' Ochs said. "A, it's the top program in Division I-AA. B, it's a school with a reputation for throwing the football. C, I've heard a lot of good things about coach (Joe) Glenn.''

Montana, the defending national champion, has won 21 games.