Auburn junior running back Roc Thomas is expected to transfer to Jacksonville State, according to a report from Rivals’ Jay G. Tate.

Thomas, a former 5-star prospect from the recruiting class of 2014, rushed for 465 yards and three touchdowns off 86 carries (5.4 ypc) in his first two years with the Tigers. In December, coach Gus Malzahn refuted any speculation that Thomas was interested in transferring.

Currently listed as the third option on the depth chart (per OurLads.com) behind senior Jovon Robinson and sophomore Kerryon Johnson, Thomas was expected to compete for playing time this summer leading into the regular season.

Instead, he will have two years of eligibility with Jacksonville State and can vie for a starting position immediately, per the NCAA’s FBS-to-FCS transfer regulations.