Incoming freshman defensive back Kadarius Calloway will reportedly transfer from Alabama.

Shortly after that news broke on Wednesday afternoon, East Mississippi Community College — his next destination — coach Buddy Stephens explained the decision.

“I think he wanted to drop down and get a chance to play,” Stephens told AL.com on Wednesday. “He’s hoping to go back to Alabama and hopefully he’ll get that chance.”

Stephens told AL.com that he wasn’t aware of any academic issues that could be motivating this decision.

Calloway was a 4-star prospect in Alabama’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class for the 2021 cycle. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, he was the No. 135 overall player and the No. 4 athlete in the country.

He’s a Philadelphia, Miss. native who was originally committed to Mississippi State. He flipped to Alabama in July of 2020.

According to Robbie Faulk of 247Sports, Calloway is the fourth player from Mississippi to sign with Alabama but ultimately transfer from the program since 2016.

Alabama opens its 2021 campaign against Miami on Sept. 4.