Michigan's top returning rusher Chris Evans no longer part of football program

The Wolverines leading rusher is no longer part of the football program. 

Michigan spokesman Dave Ablauf released a statement Tuesday evening confirming senior running back Chris Evans' departure from the program. 

"Chris Evans is not a member of the football team at this time," the statement read. 

Michigan, citing privacy laws, did not offer further clarification as to why Evans is no longer on the team, but on Tuesday Evans tweeted that he is "going through some academic issues right now."

"I'm working through it now," Evans said in the tweet. "I will still continue my career at the University of Michigan."

Evans, an Indianapolis native, was set to be Michigan's leading returning rusher in 2019 after posting 423 yards and four touchdowns last season as Karan Higdon's primary backup. Higdon became Michigan's first running back since 2011 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. 

Evans, who has rushed for 1,722 yards and 14 touchdowns in his Michigan career, would be the third running back to leave the program early since the start of the 2018 season.

Kurt Taylor transferred to a junior college and O'Maury Samuels was dismissed from the program after being charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and misdemeanor malicious destruction of property. He has a settlement conference and tentative trial date set for later this month. 

With Evans presumably gone, Michigan's running back situation thins out even more. 

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Redshirt freshman Christian Turner split time with Evans in the Peach Bowl loss to Florida. The Wolverines also bring back former walk-on Tru Wilson, who gained 364 yards last season. 

Incoming freshman running back Zach Charbonnet, the top-rated offensive recruit in Michigan's 2019 class, could also factor in this season. Michigan also signed Hassan Haskins as part of its 2018 recruiting class. Haskins split time at linebacker and running back last year, but preserved his redshirt.