Ohio State: Tailback Rod Smith leaves team to 'deal with some personal issues'

FILE - In this Aug. 9, 2014, file photo, Ohio State running back Rod Smith carries the ball during an NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. Rod Smith has left the Ohio State team to “deal with some personal issues.” Head coach Urban Meyer confirmed the speculated move on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, in an email.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Backup tailback Rod Smith has left the Ohio State team to deal with some personal issues.

Head coach Urban Meyer confirmed the move on Tuesday in an email.

He says the Buckeyes will continue to support the fifth-year senior.

Smith has had a troubled past, frequently in and out of the doghouse, in his college career. He had seen action in all seven games for the Buckeyes, carrying 24 times for 101 yards and four touchdowns.

Although Smith's absence will cut into Ohio State's depth at the position, he was still only fifth on the team in rushing.