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Auburn RB Roc Thomas transfers, reportedly headed to FCS school

Texas A&M defense pulls down Auburn running back Roc Thomas (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Texas A&M defense pulls down Auburn running back Roc Thomas (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

After two seasons at Auburn, running back Roc Thomas is leaving the program.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Tigers coach Gus Malzahn announced that Thomas asked for his release. Malzahn granted the request.

“We wish him nothing but the best moving forward,” Malzahn said.

According to AuburnSports.com, Thomas already has locked in on a transfer destination: FCS Jacksonville State.

“Rising junior Racean "Roc" 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.,” the site reported Tuesday.

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Thomas never quite lived up to his 5-star recruit billing, but will have a chance to compete immediately if the transfer to Jacksonville State comes to fruition. Because JSU is an FCS program, Thomas would not have to sit out the 2016 campaign like he would if he signed with another FBS school.

In his two seasons at Auburn, the 5-foot-10, 203-pound Thomas rushed for 475 yards and three touchdowns on 86 carries. He also caught 17 passes for 227 yards and a score.

Thomas was behind Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson on the depth chart for most of the 2015 season. Barber left Auburn early for the NFL, but Robinson and sophomore Kerryon Johnson were the favorites to receive most of the carries coming out of spring practice. In fact, the offensive coaching staff experimented with Thomas at slot receiver.

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At Jacksonville State, Thomas will reunite with his former high school coach, John Grass. Grass is entering his third season at the helm and is coming off an FCS national title game appearance in 2015. JSU lost the title game 37-10 to North Dakota State and finished with a 13-2 record.

Ironically, JSU’s only other loss last season was a 27-20 overtime decision at Auburn. Thomas rushed for 24 yards and caught a 51-yard touchdown pass for the Tigers in the game.

For more Auburn news, visit AuburnSports.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!