COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State coaching staff wasn't sure it would have running back Rod Smith back for the start of his final season with the program, and now the senior won't be around for the end of it.
Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer announced Tuesday that Smith had left the program, one day after the Columbus Dispatch, citing a source, reported that the senior failed a drug test and had been dismissed after playing seven games this season.
Smith had missed time during spring practice due to academic issues, and his status had previously been up in the air after missing team meetings without permission.
"Oh, I am [disappointed], but he's had issues really since he's been at Ohio State," Meyer said Tuesday. "We're going to do the best we can, he's going to graduate, I think he's on schedule next summer, and we're going to assist the best we can.
"It's disappointing, but we wish him well."
After bouncing back from his previous issues, Smith had drawn praise from the coaches for his attitude, work ethic and embracing a role on special teams and as a short-yardage tailback. Smith scored five total touchdowns and rushed for 101 yards this season.
An Ohio State spokesman could not confirm the dismissal, which was initially reported by ElevenWarriors.com.
The Buckeyes are separating from Smith, bringing a close to a career that never lived up to the hype that accompanied his recruitment as a four-star tailback.
Smith clashed with the coaching staff off the field, missed a team flight to the Gator Bowl in 2011 and had fumbling issues that kept him from ever earning a regular role in the lineup. He was becoming a veteran that Meyer could rely on lately, but that appears to have been short-lived.
"He was out the gate in spring, a non-factor," Meyer said on Oct. 13. "When I was getting ready for training camp, there was part of me saying we probably won't have a back."