Texas WR Cayleb Jones Set to Transfer from Longhorns

Cayleb Jones, a sophomore wide receiver who attended Austin High School, has formally announced his decision to transfer from the University of Texas.

Per CBSSports.com, Mack Brown said the following in a statement:

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Cayleb is looking for a fresh start, and we understand that and are appreciative of everything he did for Texas. We will support him as he moves forward and wish him the best of luck in the future.

"

Jones' father, Robert, a former Dallas Cowboys linebacker, issued the following statement of his own:

"

We’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Texas program, but we’ve talked about the situation as a family and we think it’s best for Cayleb to get a fresh start and transfer to another school.

"

Jones was arrested and charged with felony assault in March, stemming from an incident in which he allegedly broke the jaw of a UT tennis player who was dating his ex-girlfriend. That charge was reduced to a misdemeanor in April, clearing Jones' return to the Texas football program, but he was still suspended for the season opener against New Mexico State.

Though the split appears amicable, losing Jones is a fairly big deal for the Longhorns. They don't lack playmakers on the outside, but Jones was among the highest-touted on their roster. Per the 247Sports composite, he was the No. 7 wide receiver in the Class of 2012 and the No. 69 prospect overall.

As a true freshman last year, Jones caught only two passes for 35 yards. But he appeared in 12 games—impressive for a player of his age—and was expected to take on a larger role this season. Plus, with senior Mike Davis set to leave after 2013, those opportunities were only going to increase down the line.

Now Texas must look deeper into its stable of youngsters for production, while Jones must look for a healthier college environment. He's 6'3'', 200 pounds and possesses good fluidity for his size, so there are sure to be plenty of suitors—especially with his NFL bloodline.

It's just a shame that the Austin native couldn't succeed in his own backyard.