AUBURN, Alabama — The unintended fallout of a new rule meant to help players see the field earlier and more often has led to a new free agency in college football.

The NCAA's rule allowing players to participate in up to four games and still maintain redshirt status is also leading to players leaving teams after playing in four games or less to maintain a full season of eligibility while seeking a new school.

As Auburn coach Gus Malzahn put it Thursday on his radio show: "It's a new day in college football."

Auburn was hit hard by the new rule last week as two starters on offense (receiver Nate Craig-Myers and tight end Jalen Harris) and backup defensive back Jayvaughn Myers took advantage of the rule after three games, left the team in successive days and sought new homes as the Tigers prepared to face Arkansas.

"It was definitely tough," senior receiver Ryan Davis said. "Honestly those are guys that definitely helped the team, guys we love, guys that are well liked around Auburn. I definitely wish the best for all three of those guys. I have a great relationship with all three. … They had to do what’s best for them and I wish them nothing the best for them."

In Auburn's locker room, there was a players-only meeting to discuss the departures. The general message from leaders: if you feel like your future is in doubt and you have no one to talk to about it, turn to a teammate.

"We have to step up. Talk to somebody. Say something," senior receiver Ryan Davis said. "I know sometimes guys bear a lot on their shoulders and don’t say anything. You never know what somebody is thinking until they speak up. You just try as a team, and being one of the leaders I try to check on everybody to see their well being on and off the field. At the end of the day guys are grown men and they have to make their own decisions. I wish them nothing but the best but I hope everybody stays and we don’t have anybody leave."

Uncertainty, however, still hovers in the locker room. Did the three departures (six total since August) last week mark the end to the free-agency circus, or will more players leave after the Tigers' 34-3 victory against Arkansas marked the fourth game of the season.

"Hey, you never know what the next man is thinking," redshirt freshman running back JaTarvious Whitlow said. "I just hope everyone is on one accord and is into this year."

How the departures of Harris and Craig-Myers affected the Tigers' offense against the Razorbacks can not necessarily be measured. Both were key blockers for the Tigers running and passing attack, which managed only 225 yards, the seventh-lowest output by a Malzahn-coached team in 13 years.

"We missed them a lot," Whitlow said. "Once you leave a team, there’s a big drop but we’ve got guys that work hard and they’re going to be able fulfill that part where they left. Seth (Williams) took up for Nate. We just have to move on."

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