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Oregon State wide receiver Paul Lucas, right, it tackled by Oregon's Jimmie Swain, left, in the first half an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday Nov. 26, 2016.

(Timothy J. Gonzalez / Associated Press)

Oregon State running back Paul Lucas will transfer from the school, he announced on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.



"I would like to thank the entire coaching staff for the love and support that they have given me over the last two seasons here at Oregon State University," Lucas wrote. "It truly has been a pleasure to be a part of a great program and family like this. It has been a tough decision for me to make, but after talking with my parents I have decided to transfer from OSU.



"I will miss all of my brothers and friends that my family and I have made in Corvallis and especially the amazing fans."



Lucas, a former three-star prospect who flipped from Arizona State to OSU just before Signing Day in 2015, has been considered a speedy and versatile weapon the past two seasons but never found a consistent role in the Beavers' offense.



He made one start in 2016 and totaled 33 carries for 113 yards and five catches for 76 yards. He began his career as a wide receiver but switched to running back midway through his true freshman season, finishing with 22 carries for 171 yards and two catches for eight yards. His best game came at California in 2015, when he compiled 70 rushing yards on 13 carries.



The Beavers are set to return their top two running backs, Ryan Nall and Artavis Piece, in 2017.



Since Lucas has not yet utilized a redshirt season, he can use it while sitting out the 2017 season due to NCAA transfer rules should he choose to join another Football Championship Subdivision program. If he transfers to a lower division, he will be eligible to play immediately in 2017.



Lucas joins kicker Garrett Owens as OSU players who have announced this offseason that they will transfer.



-- Gina Mizell | @ginamizell