AUBURN, Alabama -- Defensive back Jonathan Rose, one of the top players in Auburn's 2011 signing class, has been given his unconditional release from the football team and plans to transfer.

Coach Gene Chizik informed Rose's high school coach, Keith Etheredge of Leeds, that Rose would not be allowed to return to the team Tuesday. Chizik had sent Rose home for the summer because of "personal reasons."

Chizik told Etheredge that Rose could transfer to any school without restriction. Etheredge said he expects SEC and ACC teams to call about his former defensive back.

Etheredge said he did not have any issues with Auburn.

"It has nothing to do with grades or anything that deals with the police or anything like that," Etheredge said. "It's just that he doesn't need to be down there anymore. It has nothing to do with the coaching staff or Auburn or anything like that. They've been great to Jonathan."

Rose played sparingly for Auburn last season, recording two tackles. But Etheredge said Chizik told him Rose's play improved in the spring when he led the team in interceptions during scrimmages. Rose was sent home at the start of summer workouts. Auburn did not say why it took the action.

Rose would have to sit out this season if he chooses to sign at a major college. He could play immediately if plays at a smaller school.

Etheredge said Rose will succeed elsewhere.

"I said when he left high school here he was the type of kid I want my son to grow up to be. I still feel that way. Nothing has changed.

"My gosh, if Jonathan Rose can't make it in Division I college football, I don't have a kid that I have ever coached that can make it. That's the type of kid he is.

"He wants to fit in, but he's got to learn he can't fit in with every crowd."

Rose was ranked as the No. 2 high school player in Alabama on The Birmingham News' Super Seniors list and was ranked No. 4 on the Mobile Press-Register's Elite 18 following his senior season at Leeds High School. He was ranked as the third-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals. He chose Auburn over Alabama, Georgia and Florida State, among others.

He enrolled at Auburn in January 2011.

--Birmingham News prep editor Jeff Sentell contributed greatly to this story.

Follow Auburn on Twitter: