CORVALLIS -- Surprising news out the Valley Football Center today, as it became public knowledge that running back Malcolm

.

Agnew will be a junior at SIU, after playing two seasons in Corvallis.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley, who was out of town for a couple weeks, returned Sunday and said he was disappointed to hear that Agnew's decision was final. Riley said he believes Agnew's decision to leave was mostly related to playing time, but that he emphasized to Agnew that "he was very capable of earning more time this season. I love him as a person and a player, and I hate losing him. But I understand where he's coming from. "

In his career at Oregon State Agnew rushed for 692 yards and six touchdowns. In 2012 he played in all of the Beavers' 13 games as a backup, totaling 283 yards on 63 carries.

Agnew's collegiate debut was stunning, as he rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns, but a host of injury problems -- he has continually strained or torn his hamstrings since high school -- stopped him from becoming a reliable, and consistent, threat for the Beavers.

Agnew's brother, Ray, is a fullback for SIU.

Oregon State starts spring football practice on April 1.

-- Lindsay Schnell