Source: Ex-Auburn running back Dyer transfers to Arkansas State

Michael Dyer was the offensive MVP of the national championship as a freshman.

Bill Frakes/SI

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Michael Dyer is following Gus Malzahn back home, joining his former offensive coordinator at Arkansas State.

A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday night that the former Auburn tailback is transferring to Arkansas State to become a member of the Red Wolves.

The person confirmed the move on condition of anonymity because Arkansas State has not announced it

Dyer was the first Auburn tailback to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons, but coach Gene Chizik suspended him indefinitely before the Chick-fil-A Bowl for violating unspecified team rules. A source told The Associated Press on Friday that Dyer had been granted a release from his scholarship at Auburn, and there was speculation that he would follow Malzahn, who was announced as the new coach of the Red Wolves last month.

Dyer was the offensive MVP of the national championship game as a freshman last season and was named to the Southeastern Conference Coaches' All-Freshman Team. He set the Auburn freshman rushing record with 1,093 yards, breaking the mark of 829 yards that was set by Bo Jackson in 1982.

He ran for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Before helping the Tigers to the national title, Dyer was one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country out of high school. He finished his high school career at Little Rock (Ark.) Christian with 8,097 career yards rushing and 84 touchdowns, including 2,502 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior.

Malzahn was very familiar with Dyer after a successful 14-season high school coaching career in Arkansas. The addition of Dyer is a big boost for Arkansas State, which lost to Northern Illinois in the Godaddy.com Bowl to Northern Illinois on Sunday night.

Malzahn stayed at Auburn through the Chick-fil-A Bowl after being named coach of the Red Wolves, splitting his time between his old job and his new one. Dyer provides Malzahn and Arkansas State with credibility as it tries to build on a Sun Belt Conference championship this season and the school's first 10-win season since 1986, when it was a member of the I-AA Southland Conference.

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