LAS CRUCES, N.M. � New Mexico State quarterback J.J. McDermott is transferring to SMU and receiver LaVorick Williams will leave for Texas Tech, new coach DeWayne Walker said Tuesday.

Walker met with both players and discussed their opportunities. Both decided transferring was in their best interests.

McDermott, the Aggies' backup the past two seasons behind Chase Holbrook, played in four games last fall and started once as a freshman in 2007. With Holbrook graduating, McDermott had been the expected starter for next season until former coach Hal Mumme was fired in December.

Williams played in nine games at receiver and returned kickoffs. He plans to participate in track and field, not football, at Texas Tech.