Sophomore running back Tyler Ebell will transfer from UCLA,
ending weeks of speculation that he would ask to be released from
the team. Ebell met with coach Karl Dorrell on Friday, and was
granted his release.
"We certainly wish Tyler the best of luck in the future,"
Dorrell said in a statement. "We hope that he will find a school
that he feels meets his needs."
Ebell set a UCLA freshman record of 994 yards to lead the Bruins
in rushing last season, and received second-team freshman
All-America honors from The Sporting News. This season, however,
the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Ebell ran for only 501 yards on 116
carries, less than freshman Maurice Drew, who rushed for 582 yards.
This season Ebell had two touchdowns; in 2002 he had 10 scores.
During the season, Ebell’s father met with Dorrell to discuss
his son’s role on the team, after Ebell’s playing time diminished.
In the meeting, Dorrell assured Ebell’s father that his son still
had a role on the team. Ebell started eight games this season.
The Bruins are left with two running backs who have seen
substantial playing time – Drew and senior Manuel White, who rushed
for 379 yards before injuring his shoulder in the eighth game of
the season.
Ebell is the second high-profile player to transfer from UCLA
this season – sophomore quarterback Matt Moore transferred last
month.