Ohio State transfer Jamel Dean won’t be eligible to play in Auburn’s secondary this season, but that could be a blessing in disguise for a unit that will be short on bodies heading into spring practice 2016.

Last week, Dean told Florida Today that the NCAA denied his request for an eligibility waiver this fall, citing its strict transfer policy. Dean left the Buckeyes in May after he was not cleared for fall practice by the team’s medical personnel due to lingering complications from a serious knee injury suffered during his prep career.

“They really didn’t care,” Dean said according to Florida Today, referencing Ohio State’s coaching staff of his transfer plans. “Once Auburn said they were going to let me play, I was ready to leave.”

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn declined comment on Dean’s acquisition at the Destin, Fla. meetings last month, preferring to wait until the 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback enrolls later this summer.

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The former four-star from the 2015 class will have a chance to compete for early playing time next spring thanks to the exit of senior contributors Jonathan Jones and Joshua Holsey along with the possible early draft casualty of ballhawk safety Johnathan Ford.

The secondary’s been a position group of concern for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp in recent weeks. In May, the Tigers suffered a serious depth blow when three defensive backs — Kamryn Melton, Derrick Moncrief and Joe Turner — announced they were transferring.

This came after Auburn’s defensive backs battled through periods of inconsistency during spring ball. Newcomers Tim Irvin and Georgia transfer Tray Williams were among pleasant surprises for Muschamp and assistant Travaris Robinson.

Last week, the Tigers bolstered their personnel along the back end with the addition of top-rated JUCO corner Jamarcus King. King’s likely more game-ready than Dean, but both are capable of replacing some of the production losses expected after this season further depletes a thinning group.