UCLA running back Malcolm Jones has requested a release from his scholarship and intends to transfer, according to reports in both The Los Angeles Times and ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Jones, the former Gatorade national high school player of the year as a senior at Oaks Christian high school in 2010, has struggled throughout his career with the Bruins. In this year's season opener against Rice, the 6'0'', 220-pound junior saw the field only during the game's final drive and recorded three carries for 10 yards. In his first two seasons, Jones carried the ball just 80 times for 303 yards and one touchdown.
As a highly touted recruit coming out of high school -- Jones was a consensus four-star recruit and a top-10 prospect at his position -- he never lived up to his potential at UCLA. On this year's depth chart, Jones is listed as the team's fourth option behind Johnathan Franklin, Jordon James and Damien Thigpen.
Because he played so sparingly in the Bruins' first game of the season, Jones plans to apply to the NCAA to preserve this year of eligibility, meaning he would have two years left to play. He has not yet decided on a destination or a list of schools he is considering, according to ESPN.
For more on news, analysis and insight regarding UCLA football, make sure to check out Bruins Nation.