KNOXVILLE - University of Tennessee sophomore running back David Oku will transfer after the spring semester, the school announced Friday.
"David has handled this situation in a professional way, and we mutually agreed that his departure is best for him and for our program," Volunteers coach Derek Dooley said in a release.
Oku signed with the Vols out of Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Okla., as Rivals.com's top-ranked all-purpose back in the 2009 class. He set UT records in kickoff returns (33) and yardage (698) as a freshman, but his sophomore season didn't have the same kind of production.
After starting the year as Tauren Poole's backup at tailback, Oku fell behind freshman Rajion Neal on the depth chart and didn't get a carry in five games. Oku's departure leaves Poole, Neal and Toney Williams in the backfield for next season.
The Vols have two running backs currently committed for this year's class: Tom Smith, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound three-star prospect out of Apopka, Fla., and Devrin Young, a 5-7, 156-pound all-purpose back out of Knoxville Bearden who might be relied on more as a return specialist.
UT expects an official visit this weekend from Marlin Lane, a 6-1, 205-pound back from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla. The four-star prospect recently decommitted from Clemson.