Auburn RB Roc Thomas granted release to transfer

Former five-star running back recruit Roc Thomas is transferring from Auburn with his eyes reportedly set on a FCS program.

According to a statement released by Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, former five-star running back Roc Thomas is leaving the program. “Roc Thomas has asked for his release from Auburn and I have granted his request,” Malzahn said. “We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Thomas was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school from Oxford, Alabama. He was the 28th ranked overall player and No. 5 running back by ESPN in the Class of 2014. He entered Auburn with a ton of promise and ability, but was never able to shine on the field during his two seasons in the program.

He had little playing time behind Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson last season, and was expected to be behind Robinson and sophomore Kerryon Johnson in 2016. There had also been whispers of moving Thomas to wide receiver.

While there have yet to be any official reports on where Thomas will transfer to, FCS school Jacksonville State may be the destination. According to Jay Tate of Auburn Sports, “Thomas has informed Auburn coaches of his desire to transfer to Jacksonville State, located just a few miles from his family’s home in Oxford, Ala.”

We will wait and see if this Jacksonville State transfer ends up happening, but it would certainly make a lot of sense. Jacksonville State is a FCS program so Thomas would not have to sit out and would be eligible to play in 2016.

Also, his high school head coach John Grass now leads the Jacksonville State football program. It would certainly make sense for him to go to a familiar program so close to his home with an opportunity to be the clear featured back in the offense.

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