Auburn's depth at running back took another hit on Friday afternoon, with the news that freshman Jovon Robinson has been ruled ineligible to play in 2012.
Robinson has not practiced with the Tigers since Aug. 10, when a high school guidance counselor at Wooddale High School in Memphis admitted to changing one of the running back's grades. The counselor has since resigned, and on Friday Robinson's ineligibility was made official.
The NCAA has not implicated Auburn in any way for the grade alteration.
The 6-foot-1, 220 pound Robinson was the biggest running back on the Auburn roster, and his absence leaves the Tigers with just four scholarship players at the position. Among Onterio McCalebb, Tre Mason, Corey Grant and Mike Blakely - only McCalleb and Mason have any game experience.
Robinson's immediate plans are unclear, and since he would not have qualified prior to the grade change he may have to go to prep-school or junior college to become eligible. However, he could be in a position to file a waiver to remain on scholarship without participating in any team activities.
The true freshman may not have played a major role in the rotation this fall, but his size made for a nice change-of-pace option for new offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler. Auburn kicks off the 2012 season with a primetime showdown against Clemson in the Georgia Dome for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
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