Texas OL Darius James transferring to Auburn

Former Texas offensive lineman Darius James has found a new home and is transferring to Auburn.

Darius James is leaving the Texas Longhorns for the Auburn Tigers, according to a report from 247Sports.

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James announced he was leaving the Longhorns program earlier this offseason after starting two games at right tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2014. He suffered a knee injury in November that ended his season and will have an extra year to make sure his knee is fully healed as he’ll have to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules.

The 6-5, 320-pound James was the nation’s No. 34 overall recruit, No. 1 offensive guard and the No. 5 recruit in the state of Texas, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings in the class of 2013. He is the second former top recruit to transfer to Auburn in the last year with former Ole Miss offensive tackle/guard Austin Golson transferring to Auburn last May and is projected to be the team’s starter at center, replacing former Rimington winner Reese Dismukes.

James brings versatility to the Auburn offensive line with the ability to play either guard position and has starting experience at right tackle. The year off should allow him to get healthy, but more important gives Auburn a former five-star recruit in their “recruiting class” this year and fills a position that isn’t a pressing need, but is a position that is invaluable for Gus Malzahn’s run-oriented offense.

When eligible in 2016, James will have two years of eligibility remaining. As for Texas, James is just the latest to leave Charlie Strong’s program in his two years in Austin.

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