LOS ANGELES — Former USC receiver Vidal Hazelton said Sunday that he was transferring to the University of Cincinnati and would play for the Bearcats in 2010.

Hazelton said he also considered Syracuse and Missouri but chose Cincinnati because more credits were accepted toward his degree and there was an opportunity to play in a spread offense.

"They throw the ball a whole lot," said Hazelton, a sociology major.

Last season, Cincinnati ranked 26th nationally in passing offense. USC was 22nd.

Hazelton was the Trojans' leading wide receiver in 2007, catching 50 passes and scoring four touchdowns.

But last season, he suffered an ankle injury in the season opener against Virginia and tumbled down the depth chart behind Damian Williams, Patrick Turner and Ronald Johnson.

Hazelton also suffered a concussion and another ankle injury early in the season. He requested to redshirt, saying the extra year would allow him to mature. But coaches denied the request and he finished with only six receptions in eight games.

He left the team before the regular-season finale against UCLA, citing a desire to play more and to be closer to his grandfather, who is battling cancer.

"I feel good about my time at USC," he said Sunday. "It was a learning experience.".