Boulder, Colo. ? Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs has decided not to play again this season after suffering his third concussion in the past year.

Ochs hasnt played since he was hurt against San Diego State on Sept. 7.

Extensive medical tests came back normal, but Ochs advised coach Gary Barnett on Monday that he wont play the rest of the season for the Buffaloes (2-2).

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. We want the best for Craig no matter what. He wants to pull himself out and see if he can get himself healthy.

I dont know that Craigs career is over, but it is for this year. He is stepping away, thats what it is. I think this whole thing has been hard on him because he is such a competitor and he wants to play.

Six of Colorados assistant coaches were out recruiting on Monday. Asked if the staff must now assume that Ochs wont return and that the recruiting emphasis must change accordingly, Barnett said, I think we probably have to proceed that way.

Ochs first concussion in college came in September 2001 against Kansas. Later that season he suffered another 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.

After a disastrous performance in a 40-3 loss to Southern Cal, Hodge helped the Buffaloes upend No. 20 UCLA 31-17 on Saturday.

Shawn Watson, Colorados offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, said he, too, was stunned by Ochs decision.

I sure was, he said. A lot of that is probably just my eternal optimism and hope because of what I believe in him. But at the same time, you want whats best for Craig.

Because the Buffaloes are idle this week, players had Monday off. Barnett said he had spoken to only one of Ochs teammates.

His reaction was that he didnt see it coming either, Barnett said.

Ochs missed the last two games and had hoped to return against Kansas State on Oct. 5.

Offensive lineman Wayne Lucier, who like Ochs is one of Colorados team captains, said, Obviously, we hoped he was going to be back and we hoped for the best for him. I think a lot of us were thinking hed be back maybe after the bye week. I dont know if any of us anticipated this happening.

Well miss his leadership. He was a captain. He was in his third year of starting games. He started as a freshman. But we have to move on. Were lucky because Robert got two games under his belt, and he played well last week.

Ochs started the last seven games of his freshman season, completing 59 percent of his passes for 1,778 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Last season, he was limited to seven starts because of the concussions and an ankle injury.

He completed 60 percent for 1,220 yards with seven TDs and six interceptions.

Kansas will play host to Colorado in its homecoming game on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.