College Football: Michael Dyer Out at Arkansas State

Oct 29, 2011; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Michael Dyer (5) celebrates with fans after the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. Dyer carried for 177 yards as the Tigers beat the Rebels 41-23. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-US PRESSWIRE

Jonesboro, Ark. – Arkansas State released a statement Sunday night announcing the release of Michael Dyer from the Red Wolves football team for violating team rules.

Dyer (Little Rock, Ark.) was a two-year starter at University of Auburn before leaving the Tigers after violating team rules. Auburn released Dyer January 6, of this year.

Former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn took the head coaching job at Arkansas State Dec. 13, 2011, after three years working with Tigers head coach Gene Chizik.

Malzahn has previous ties to the state of Arkansas being a former high school football coach at Shiloh Christian and Springdale before taking an OC position under former Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt (2006). Due to Malzahn’s connection with Dyer and both returning to the state of Arkansas, Dyer followed Malzahn to ASU upon his scholarship release.

Dyer competed in spring practices with the Red Wolves but was not eligible to play in 2012 as the NCAA denied his waiver to play immediately forcing Dyer to sit out for one full season.

Dyer set a Tiger’s school freshman rushing record totaling 1,093 yards on 182 carries with 5 touchdowns breaking the former record set by Auburn legend Bo Jackson. Dyer was named the Offensive Player of the Game in the 2011 National Championship Game after rushing for 143 yards against the Oregon Ducks.

During his sophomore season Dyer improved upon his freshman rushing totals finishing with 1,242 yards with 10 touchdowns earning All-SEC accolades.

The team rules Dyer violated ending his playing career at Arkansas State before competing in a game was not made known.