Colorado tailback Demetrius Sumler told Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins he will not return to the team for his senior season, the school said.
Sumler plans to graduate in May and take advantage of an NCAA rule that will allow him, as a graduate student, to use his final season of eligibility at another program. CU next season will be in need of a veteran runner.
Although Sumler was used frequently as a backfield blocker in passing situations, his carries decreased from a high of 100 in 2007 to 36 last season.
Sumler would have entered spring drills behind juniors-to-be Rodney “Speedy” Stewart and Brian Lockridge. Colorado expects to add at least two running backs on February’s national signing day.
CU also said tight end Luke Walters was granted a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA. Walters, a former ThunderRidge star who began his college career at New Mexico, has been plagued by injuries.
