A former Ohio State running back isn't through playing college football quite yet.
Warren Ball, one of 18 players recognized at Ohio State's Senior Day Nov. 21, is set to transfer to the University of Akron upon graduation and use his final year of eligibility; the Beacon Journal's George Thomas was the first to report. As a graduate transfer, Ball would be eligible to play immediately.
Ball confirmed the move on Facebook:
A former 4-star recruit in the class of 2012 out of St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Ball toted the rock 41 times for 189 yards in his Ohio State career. Ball also caught one pass for three yards in Ohio State's 49-7 victory at Rutgers this past fall.
He spent the majority of his time as a Buckeye behind Carlos Hyde, Ezekiel Elliott, Bri'onte Dunn and others on the depth chart after redshirting his first season.
Ball's apparent transfer has no impact on Ohio State's scholarship grid for 2016, as he was already on his way out of the program following last season. The Buckeyes still sit at 87 scholarships after National Signing Day.
An Ohio State spokesman confirmed Ball's departure from the program to Eleven Warriors in an email, referring to his recognition as an outgoing senior before the Michigan State game as has been previously reported. He did not specify whether or not Ball would suit up for Akron in 2016, as the original report indicated.
The Zips graduated two senior running backs after the 2015 season in Conor Hundley and Donnell Alexander. Hundley led Akron with 911 rushing yards on 202 carries last season and scored 10 touchdowns, while Alexander was third on the team in rushing with 499 yards and scored three times.
