Defensive end Se’Von Pittman is no longer part of the Ohio State football team.

OSU spokesman Jerry Emig confirmed to The Lantern that Pittman, a rising sophomore, was granted a release from the program. Pittman was absent from OSU’s first spring practice Tuesday. 

Emig said he wasn’t sure why the Canton, Ohio, native made the decision, though.

Before becoming OSU coach Urban Meyer’s second commit in 2012, Pittman was a two-time first-team Associated Press Division I All-State selection at Canton McKinley High School.

Because of a knee injury suffered last spring, Pittman did not play in the Buckeyes’ undefeated campaign last season. OSU finished 12-0 and No. 3 in the final AP poll.