Defensive tackle Cousin leaves ISU football program

AMES — Iowa State defensive tackle Devlyn Cousin announced via Instagram that he is no longer a part of the football program.

The 6-foot-2 and 291-pound defensive tackle played in nine games last season as a red-shirt sophomore and started two, but missed three games because of an elbow injury. Cousin recorded 12 tackles and one sack.

'It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say I will no longer be playing football for iowa state university,' Cousin said in the social media post. 'I have made the decision to continue my career else where I will not forget the people I met and the friendships I made during my career at Iowa state. The brotherhood the bond I'm going to miss it all.'

It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say I will no longer be playing… August 27, 2015

It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say I will no longer be playing… https://t.co/I9jlzTWwC7

— Devlyn Cousin (@bigcuz94)

Cousin was slotted as the No. 2 defensive tackle behind Pierre Aka and would have certainly given Iowa State experienced depth on the line of scrimmage. Red-shirt sophomore Robby Garcia and red-shirt junior Terry Ayeni — who were listed behind Cousin — will likely be elevated on the depth chart to replace Cousin when it is released Monday.

The announcement by Cousin comes just nine days before the ISU season opener, which is Sept. 5 against Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. in Jack Trice Stadium.

'Devlyn and I met last night and he informed me of his decision to leave the football team and his intention to transfer to a school that is a better fit for him. He is going to stay in school at Iowa State for the rest of the fall semester and we will help him in the transfer process. We wish him success in his future.'

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