While the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team will see two players transferring ahead of the season, a third departure is not quite as clear.
According to ESPN, Nebraska head football coach Mike Reilly confirmed Thursday junior safety LeRoy Alexander and freshman receiver Jariah Tolbert would be leaving via transfer. He also said senior linebacker David Santos "will not be with the team in the fall."
Riley did not give reasons for any of his players' departures, but Santos' case is the only begging a question. Bo Pelini, Nebraska's head football coach last year, suspended Alexander for the season due to unspecified violations of team rules, the Journal Star reported.
Riley told the newspaper before the season started the safety was in a position to earn back his spot on the team. Both Alexander and Santos could have been significant contributors on defense.
"It's kind of up to him right now," Riley said at the time. "He's got to make those good choices and take advantage of it. I'm looking forward to seeing him succeed."
A promising wide receiver, Tolbert was cited for marijuana possession last June and again in April. In the previous incident, Tolbert reportedly tried to flee the officer trying to ticket him, the Journal Star reported. The wideout pled not guilty to obstruction and guilty to possession, paying a $300 fine for carrying less than once of marijuana.
The two transfers could be related to Riley's hiring, who replaced a coach the Cornhusker players appeared to favor in Pelini.
ESPN noted linebacker Courtney Love and tight end Greg Hart previously transferred in Dec., before the Holiday Bowl and after Pelini's firing. However, the recent transfers would be considerably delayed as Riley has helmed the team since then.
