Damari Alston, who started the season as Auburn's starting running back, is no longer with the Tigers, head coach Hugh Freeze announced on Monday.
"Damari failed to meet the expectations and standards of our program," Freeze said. “We love him. Wish him the best. But that’s where it’s at.”
Pressed more on Alston's situation, Freeze responded bluntly.
“He won’t be playing here anymore," he said. "Next man up. Get Omar (Mabson II), Alvin (Henderson), Justin (Jones), and those guys ready to roll.”
Alston was supposed to be Auburn's top back in his senior season after three years of sitting behind Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter, and he got off to a good start in the season-opening win against Baylor, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown.
“This year is my last year, first year starting,” he said in the preseason. “It seems like the perfect situation, like I’m supposed to be here. It’s worth the wait. I’m just ready to do some big things this year.”
But an injury in the same game against the Bears caused him to miss the next two games, and when he did return, he never seemed to fit back into the rotation, carrying the ball just 16 times in the last three games for 46 yards. In Saturday's 20-10 loss to No. 10 Georgia, Alston rushed seven times for nine yards.
Jeremiah Cobb seemingly took over the starting running back position as Alston missed time. The junior has rushed for 453 yards and four touchdowns in six games this season, but has no touchdowns in the last three games.
Appearing in just four games, and never using a redshirt during his four-year career, Alston has one more year of eligibility left.