Three players not returning to UM football

Minor players all granted release from program for 2014 season

1/25/2014
BLADE STAFF
Michigan junior Thomas Rawls (39) runs the ball as Akron sophomore Bryce Cheek (29) attempts to tackle during a game September 14, 2013 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Rawls is one of three players granted a release from the UM program for the 2014 season.
Michigan junior Thomas Rawls (39) runs the ball as Akron sophomore Bryce Cheek (29) attempts to tackle during a game September 14, 2013 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Rawls is one of three players granted a release from the UM program for the 2014 season.

Three players will not return to the Michigan football program for the 2014 season.

A Michigan spokesperson confirmed today that Thomas Rawls, Josh Furman and Richard Ash have been granted releases from the program.

Rawls, a junior running back from Flint, had 12 yards and a touchdown in nine games for Michigan, and told MLive.com that he plans to transfer to Central Michigan for his senior season. Rawls finished with 333 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons at Michigan.

Furman, a safety and a redshirt junior from Annapolis, Md., had eleven tackles in eight games in 2013 and had 29 tackles in three seasons.

Ash, a defensive tackle and a redshirt junior from Pahokee, Fla., had three tackles in eight games in 2013.

Michigan opens spring practices Feb. 25