Rutgers Football Practice - August 2, 2013

Cornerback Ian Thomas is no longer with the team after failing to report back for workouts this summer.

(Frank H. Conlon/For The Star-Ledger)

BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP -- The Ian Thomas saga has taken another twist. Rutgers coach Kyle Flood announced Monday night that the redshirt sophomore cornerback is no longer with the team.

"Ian did not report back for the summer program and I would just leave it at that," Flood said after his charity golf tournament at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club.

It is the second time in the past eight months that Thomas has left the team. The Baltimore native, who started three games last season, initially quit the team last October. The reason for his departure was a point of contention, as Flood said Thomas was leaving to play baseball and Thomas said he was homesick.

It seemed that was the end of Thomas' career at Rutgers, but he was reinstated by Flood on a conditional basis in January. Flood said those conditions were simply to "show up every day and prove to the coaching staff and prove to his teammates that he's all in."

It appeared that Thomas met those conditions, as he participated in spring practice and was expected to compete for a starting corner job. Thomas said he received a mixed reaction from his teammates when he rejoined the team.

"Some guys felt a different type of way," Thomas said in April. "Some guys really didn't mind because they understand that people go through things in life. It was like a 50-50 type (reception)."

Flood said in April that he would assess how Thomas reintegrated to the team after spring practice. But the coach seemed encouraged by Thomas' progress at the time.

"I think he's had a good spring on the field," Flood said in April. "I think he's learning how to work day-by-day. Getting a chance to be in all the install meetings is certainly a positive. He was in quite a few last year and now having a chance to do it again this spring has certainly helped him. Talented player, somebody we think can help us next year. I'm pleased so far."

With Thomas' departure, Rutgers has questions in the secondary. One way Flood plans to address that is by playing incoming freshman Dre Boggs on defense. Boggs reported to campus earlier this month and had been expected to play wide receiver.

"We are currently playing Dre Boggs on defense at corner," Flood said. "I'll leave open the possibility of him doing some things on offense for us. We are not working him there though right now."

Rutgers is also expected to bolster its wide receiver depth by adding Andrew Turzilli, a fifth-year transfer from Kansas. Turzilli, a Butler, N.J., native, had 27 catches for 491 yards and two touchdowns in his career at Kansas. He graduated in May and will be eligible to play this fall.