Ex-Michigan Safety Josh Furman Will Transfer to Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State has picked up a much-needed addition—and that may be putting it lightly—to the back end of its secondary, as former Michigan safety Josh Furman, who is on track to graduate this spring and should be eligible to play in 2014, confirmed on Twitter that he is transferring to OSU.

Furman, who was conspicuously absent from the online roster Michigan posted this spring, made the confirmation after being asked directly by Jimmie Tramel of the Tulsa World:

Last year's Cowboys defense was stronger than any of Mike Gundy's tenure, finishing No. 6 in the country in the Football Outsiders F/+ ratings. However, it loses both starting safeties—Daytawion Lowe and Shamiel Gary—to graduation, and oft-used backup Lyndell Johnson was reportedly kicked off the team this offseason.

Furman was a Week 1 starter for Michigan last season, finishing the year with three total starts. He made 32 appearances, mostly in a reserve and special teams capacity, during his three active years in Ann Arbor, but the size of his role was in question heading into 2014, which may have played a part in his decision to transfer.

According to Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com, the Wolverines started sophomore Delano Hill, who has only made one game appearance (as a reserve linebacker) in his college career, at one of their safety spots during last Saturday's spring game.

It's hard to gauge exactly how their secondary will shape until 5-star recruit Jabrill Peppers arrives this summer, but the Wolverines aren't oozing depth at the position.

The experience of Furman will be missed.