Owls offensive tackle Calvin Ashley, who came from Auburn to FAU in March, will transfer to Florida A&M University, head coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday after practice.

According to Kiffin, Ashley is transferring to “be closer to home.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Ashley’s wife goes to FSU while his god brother and brother go to Florida A&M. 

The transfer was “very surprising for us,” Kiffin said. “Disappointing, but wish him the best of luck.”

Ashley had yet to practice this fall and was waiting to be cleared by the medical staff. He attended Aug. 2 practice but didn’t participate in drills. He was also expected to compete for the starting right tackle position against redshirt freshman Marquice Robinson. 

Because of the transfer of former ESPN and 247 Sports five-star prospect, it looks like now Doug Johnson Jr. will compete for the right tackle spot against Robinson.

The Owls time to test out the different ways to set up the offensive line is limited since the season opener is Aug. 31 against Ohio State. 

Zachary Weinberger is the sports editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @ZachWeinberger.