Former 4-Star CB Kalvaraz Bessent to Transfer from Auburn

Redshirt freshman cornerback Kalvarez Bessent, a former 4-star recruit who struggled with off-field issues in 2014, is no longer a member of the Auburn football team.

Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn will not release a statement on the cornerback's departure, per the Ledger-Enquirer, but Bessent tweeted the following Tuesday evening:

Bessent was the No. 122 overall player and No. 11 cornerback in the 2014 recruiting class, per the 247Sports composite rankings. He is 6'0", 170 pounds and was a 2014 Under Armour All-American.

He spent 2014 on what Malzahn called "probationary status," per Joel A. Erickson of AL.com, after an offseason arrest for possession of marijuana over 20 grams and possession with intent. He was cleared of all charges but remained in Malzahn's doghouse.

According to Justin Hokanson of 247Sports, Bessent will transfer closer to his home in Kingsland, Georgia, to care for his two- and four-year old children. He said he will continue playing college football, but he has not decided where he will transfer.

To that point, three schools come to mind: Alabama, where Bessent was committed before flipping to Auburn, and Georgia and Georgia Tech, which both offered him scholarships in high school and would satisfy his need to play near his kids.

Credit: 247Sports

Whoever lands Bessent will get a high-upside cornerback with superior ball skills, but also a kid who needs guidance off the field. One mistake does not ruin a career—especially since he was cleared of all charges—and he shouldn't have trouble finding a new destination.

For Auburn, Bessent's departure thins the ranks at cornerback, but not so much that the defense can't recover. Its other blue-chip corners from the 2014 recruiting class, Stephen Roberts and Nick Ruffin, both played as freshmen and have promising futures.

We'll update this piece as we learn more about Bessent's plans.