COLLEGE PARK, Md. >> Taulia Tagovailoa, a backup quarterback at Alabama behind star brother Tua Tagovailoa, is transferring to Maryland.

He announced the decision Friday on Twitter.

“This decision was not easy & has been prayed on non stop. Thank you to my Pastors & my family for always interceding on my behalf,” Tagovailoa said. “Today, I am blessed to share that I will be continuing my academic & athletic journey at the University of Maryland. I’m grateful to Coach Locksley & the staff for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to get to College Park. God bless & Go Terps!”

The 5-foot-11 quarterback will need a waiver to be eligible this season. He played five games last season as a freshman, completing nine of 12 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Maryland’s Mike Locksley coached Tua, selected fifth overall in the NFL Draft by Miami, as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

Taulia Tagovailoa had a record-setting career at Kapolei before transferring to a high school in Alabama.

He left the islands with 6,703 yards in two years at the OIA school, throwing 64 touchdown passes with only 21 interceptions.

Despite the limited playing time, Taulia Tagovailoa stands ninth in career yardage among Oahu schools.