Doug Haller

azcentral sports

Jason Lewis, one of the key recruits in Arizona State's 2015 recruiting class, has announced his intention to leave the program.

A 6-3, 249-pound running back from Virginia Beach, Va., Lewis has been a fan favorite ever since he arrived on campus. The former four-star high school prospect, however, had a difficult time getting on the field. This year he was ASU's fourth-team running back, stuck behind junior Demario Richard, junior Kalen Ballage and redshirt-freshman Nick Ralston. Lewis didn't make the dress list for several games, but contributed on special teams in others.

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Earlier this month, coach Todd Graham moved Lewis to defense, where he practiced at linebacker. Lewis announced his decision on his Twitter account:

"This is something that has been on my mind for well over the past months so this is not out of the blue," he wrote. "I will not be attending Arizona State University once semester is over. I am thankful for the whole staff. Coach Graham, Coach (Tim) Cassidy, and Coach (John) Simon all have helped me become a better person. More than just football. More into my faith and everything. I wish nothing (but) the best for everyone on the staff. I am going to miss all the players on the team. These are relationships that will last a lifetime and I am happy to call you guys my friends. My reason for leaving is not any bad blood between people or anything. I just believe I didn't fit into the system. I felt I could best be used at a school where I fit in and will be used well. I will end up wherever God feels I should call home. Thanks."

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter.