Former Auburn RB Michael Dyer Transferring to Louisville

The troubled, yet extremely talented Michael Dyer has the chance to help another team aim for a national title.

After being denied the request to play for Arkansas State by the NCAA last season, Dyer has transferred to his third school in as many years, but plans to turn his life and his football career around at the University of Louisville.

“I am ready to start a new chapter in my life,” Dyer said in a statement released through Arkansas Baptist College, where he earned his associate degree this year, according to ESPN.com. “I’ve learned from my past and feel that Louisville is the best place to play the second half of my collegiate career. I thank God for Coach [Charlie] Strong’s belief in me. I am not going to let him down.”

Dyer visited three other schools, including South Florida, but felt Louisville was the best fit, not only for football, but for the new direction his life is headed.

“I was looking for something other than a great football program,” Dyer said. “I wanted a support system that would continue help me develop socially, emotionally and spiritually. Most people know that I can play football and I know that I am very capable academically. But this decision is about more than just football.  It is about me as a person.”

Fortunately for Dyer and for the Cardinals, he will be eligible to play his junior season this year and won’t have to sit out another season. Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater told ESPN that despite Dyer’s troubled past, the team is excited to have him.

For those who may have forgotten, Dyer was instrumental in Auburn‘s BCS national title win in 2010 as a freshman, as he won the game’s offensive MVP award. However, after his sophomore season he was suspended by the team following several failed drug tests and decided to transfer to Arkansas State, where he never played a down after his weapon was used in a robbery by former Auburn teammates.

Despite not playing at all last season, Dyer said he has stayed in shape by working out everyday. His talent has certainly never been questioned and he’ll have to opportunity to contribute to a legitimate title contender right away, as the Cardinals are ranked ninth in the preseason coaches’ poll.

It’s unclear how much playing time Dyer will get this season, but he certainly gives Louisville another strong, able carrier out of the backfield, as long as he stays out of trouble that is.