We can now say with 100-percent certainty that UConn will have a new leading rusher for the first time since 2010.
In a press release, the Huskies announced that Lyle McCombs is no longer a member of the football team. The running back will, however, remain at the school through the end of the summer term in order to graduate.
It unknown at this time whether McCombs will transfer to another program for his final season of eligibility. If he were to move on to another FBS school, McCombs would be eligible to play immediately as a grad transfer.
Based on head coach Bob Diaco‘s statement, however, it appears an off-the-field incident or incidents triggered the split.
“Attending school at the University of Connecticut is a special privilege as is being a member of the UConn football team,” said Diaco in a statement. “With that privilege also come certain responsibilities and expectations. We wish Lyle only the best in his future endeavors as he moves on from UConn.”
McCombs had led the Huskies in rushing each of the past three seasons after coming to the school out of high school in Staten Island. He exits as the program’s fourth-leading rusher with 2,681 yards. 1,151 of those yards came in 2011 when he was named as a Freshman All-American.
With McCombs’ unexpected departure, redshirt junior Max DeLorenzo (349 yards rushing in 2013) will be the only returning back to have rushed for more than 100 yards last season.
“I am excited with the players we have at the tailback position and look forward to their production,” Diaco said.