New TE Michael McFarland wasn't the only bit of roster movement this week. According to Adam Adkins of the Tampa Tribune, redshirt freshman Brandon Wilkinson will transfer from the Bulls. In addition, for Auburn RB Dontae Aycock has left the team and will not return. Josh Newberg of Bulls247.com had the story about Wilkinson earlier, but it is behind a paywall.
I can understand why Aycock would walk away. Sometimes you burn out after playing the same game for most of your life. The desire to practice and work at making yourself better just isn't there, and there's nothing that Holtz or anyone else that can change that. It is good to hear that Dontae will stay in school to finish his degree.
Wilkinson signed with USF in 2010 out of Venice High School and was redshirted in his only year at USF. With Wilkinson down on the depth chart, and most of the players ahead of him still being around for the next couple of years, playing time became a big concern.
I would not be surprised if Wilkinson transfers to a FCS school so he would be able to play immediately. Brandon would have four years of eligibility left if he did transfer to FCS, and three years of eligibility if Wilkinson transferred to a FBS school.
We wish both Dontae and Brandon nothing but the best and hope they do well in the future.