Former Auburn running back Asa Martin transfers to Memphis

Former Auburn running back Asa Martin will enroll at Memphis after transferring, a source told The Commercial Appeal on Thursday. 

Martin has three years of eligibility remaining and will sit out the 2019 season. The source also said Martin is expected to be at practice Friday.

Martin is a former four-star recruit, per 247Sports, and the Alabama native was rated as the nation's No. 9 running back in the 2018 class. He appeared in five games for Auburn last season and recorded 13 carries for 57 yards and two catches for 36 yards.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Martin initially transferred to Miami in December but re-entered the transfer portal six months later.

According to reports, Martin's decision to transfer from Auburn was prompted by how the coaching staff mishandled his redshirt. Martin was supposed to play in four games, which is allowed by the NCAA's redshirt rule, but he checked in for one play against Arkansas.

The play was nullified because of a delay of game penalty, and although Martin was removed and did not return, the game counted toward his appearances.

Martin is the fourth player since 2017 to transfer to Memphis after initially signing with Auburn, along with safety Carlito Gonzalez, defensive lineman Kayode Oladele and cornerback John Broussard Jr. 

Receiver Damonte Coxie signed with Memphis after committing to LSU, and linebacker Josh Perry also signed with the Tigers after decommiting from Alabama.

Martin gives another boost to the Tigers' running back corps next season after the graduation of Patrick Taylor. Memphis also has a commitment in the 2020 class from Kalyn Grandberry, who is rated the No. 2 junior-college running back in the country, according to 247Sports.

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You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com