Defensive end Jamal Marcus has decided to transfer from Ohio State, the school confirmed on Tuesday.
The weak-side defensive end -- a four-star prospect from Durham, N.C., in the Buckeyes' 2012 recruiting class -- appeared in 24 games as a reserve over the last two seasons. Marcus recorded 21 tackles last season, including six in the Orange Bowl against Clemson when he replaced Noah Spence (suspension) in the starting lineup.
According to the Associated Press, Marcus "had academic problems in the spring" and the decision to transfer was mutual between him and the school.
Marcus' absence will be felt early in the season while Spence finishes his three-game suspension for violating a "Big Ten Conference rule." According to Spence's father, the defensive end failed a drug test after unknowingly consuming a small amount of ecstasy at a party. Spence will miss the first two games (against Navy and Virginia Tech) before returning against Kent State on Sept. 13.
