NOTRE DAME – University of Notre Dame defensive end Aaron Lynch has left the Fighting Irish football team and will transfer to another school at the end of the spring semester, the University announced today.

“Aaron recently approached me about his desire to leave Notre Dame and return to Florida,” Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. “I’ve always known and appreciated the affinity Aaron has for his home in Florida. However, the stark reality is you can’t make it at Notre Dame if your head and heart are not here. I am proud of the effort Aaron made in the classroom and on the field at Notre Dame. I wish him all the best in the future.”

Lynch played in 12 games for the Irish as a freshman in 2011, starting six contests. He recorded 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss and five and a half sacks.

“I want to thank Coach Kelly for giving me this great opportunity to attend Notre Dame and be part of the Fighting Irish football family,” Lynch said. “This was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make, but I want to go back home to Florida. I’m grateful to Coach Kelly for understanding and allowing me to return home.”

Notre Dame has one week left in spring practices and concludes its spring drills with the 83^rd Annual Blue-Gold Spring Football Game April 21.