GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida running back Adam Lane has been granted his release to transfer from the program, the school announced Sunday morning.

After earning Birmingham Bowl MVP honors after rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, Lane fell out of favor with the Gators' new coaching staff this spring when he sat out several practices with an injury that the staff thought he could play through.

But in the end, it was family issues that ended Lane's Florida career.

"Adam Lane has some family issues that he is dealing with and wants to be closer to home," coach Jim McElwain said in a statement "As you've heard me say many times, family comes first in this program and we will grant him his release and we will do everything we can do to help him."

Florida will rely heavily now on freshman running back Jordan Scarlett, who had already appeared to pass Lane on the depth chart. Fellow freshman Jordan Cronkrite will also likely see his role expand due to Lane's impending transfer.

---------------

For more news on Florida sports and recruiting, follow GatorBait247 on Twitter.

Contact Thomas Goldkamp by 247Sports' personal messaging system or on Twitter at @ThomasGoldkamp.

Not a VIP member? Take advantage of our special 30-day FREE trial today