Ohio State sophomore defensive back Najee Murray has been granted his release from the football program, sources told Eleven Warriors. An Ohio State spokesman confirmed the report.
Murray had been suspended for a “training camp issue,” according to head coach Urban Meyer. Sources indicated Murray's departure was a mutual decision.
Eleven Warriors reported in early August that Murray was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
Murray, an OSU Scholar-Athlete, was expected to be a contributor on special teams and in the secondary during the 2013 season. He played in six games last season, mostly on special teams, until a torn ACL in practice ended his year. Murray accounted for three solo tackles.
He entered Ohio State as an All-State player and earned co-defensive player of the year honors as a senior at Steubenville High School. Murray was one of 12 players to commit during Luke Fickell’s head-coaching tenure and becomes the third of those dozen players to leave Ohio State, joining wide receiver Riquan Southward and linebacker Luke Roberts, both of whom transferred.
Murray’s absence does not shakeup the starting lineup, but it puts a dent into the Buckeyes’ depth. Redshirt junior Bradley Roby is suspended for the season opener versus Buffalo. Armani Reeves has been named as the Week 1 starter. Behind Roby are mostly sophomores and freshmen.
Murray will decide between a handful of Mid-American Conference and Pac-12 schools for his next destination, a source said.
