A former Clemson Tiger is walking away from football.

Wisconsin announced Thursday that Chez Mellusi has decided to step away from the team, at least for the time being, in order to focus on his health.

Mellusi, a sixth-year running back, played two seasons at Clemson from 2019-20 before transferring to Wisconsin ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Following is the statement released by Wisconsin regarding Mellusi’s decision to step away, via The Inside Zone founder Matt Fortuna:

“We want to let people know that Chez is going to be stepping away from the team for now and working to get his body healthy. He’s endured many injuries and has worked extremely hard to be able to play this year but his body hasn’t responded the way he expected. We’re here to support Chez in any way we can and hope he’ll be back on the football field again one day.”

This year marked Mellusi’s fourth year as a Badger, and he was Wisconsin’s leading rusher so far this season with 232 yards and 56 carries. The former four-star prospect from Naples, Fla., was also tied for the team lead through four games with three rushing touchdowns.

Despite missing a lot of time on the field due to various injuries over the years, Mellusi has racked up 2,254 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on 463 carries during his career with the Badgers and Tigers.

The 5-foot-11, 212-pounder ran for 427 yards and six touchdowns on 71 carries, to go with five catches for 38 yards and a receiving touchdown, over 21 career games in his two years as a Tiger.

–Photo courtesy of Jeff Hanisch-USA Today Sports Images

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