Jacob Kraut

Redshirt freshman fullback Jacob Kraut will transfer from Rutgers. (Courtesy photo)

Well, it's a good thing Sam Bergen was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Rutgers' fullback depth took a hit Friday when redshirt freshman Jacob Kraut decided to transfer, multiple sources confirmed to NJ Advance Media.

Kraut was considered a favorite to replace Michael Burton, who is currently preparing for next week's NFL scouting combine. Kraut's departure leaves Bergen as the top fullback on the depth chart.

Bergen was recently granted a sixth year of eligibility because he missed two seasons due to injury. Considered the strongest player on the team, Bergen has appeared in 27 career games, mostly on special teams and goal-line situations.

"I couldn't be more excited for him," Burton said of Bergen on Friday. "He's definitely deserving of it. He's definitely one of the hardest workers on the team. He puts in the time and the effort. I know he's going to be successful. He's a great leader. He's definitely a good guy to have in the locker room. He's an older guy who has been there before. This is his sixth year, so he's been through it all. The younger guys, or even the older guys, he's definitely going to be a great influence on them."

Redshirt junior Kevin Marquez and redshirt sophomore Lloyd Terry will also compete for playing time when spring practice begins on March 30. Additionally, Rutgers recently added preferred walk-on Max Anthony, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound fullback/linebacker.

Fullbacks have historically been an important piece of Rutgers' pro-style offense. It's unclear if the offense will change significantly under new coordinator Ben McDaniels.

Kraut, a Jacksonville Beach, Fla., native, was one of the top fullback recruits nationally in the class of 2014. The 5-foot-11, 250-pounder redshirted last season and he appeared to have conditioning issues during practice. But with an opportunity to earn a starting job, Kraut's decision to transfer came as a surprise.

Kraut is the second member of the 2014 recruiting class to transfer, following cornerback and fellow Floridian Kam Lott, who left Rutgers two weeks ago for family reasons. Of the 10 Florida natives Rutgers has landed in the past two recruiting classes, five have transferred.

Attempts to reach Kraut for an explanation for the transfer were unsuccessful on Friday afternoon. Gannett New Jersey first reported Kraut's transfer.

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.