Former ISU running back Beau Blankenship has decided he will transfer, ISU coach Paul Rhoads confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 25 after practice.

Blankenship will transfer to the University of Ohio and be a walk-on for the Bobcats.

“We wish him all the best,” Rhoads said. “He was in open communication with me the whole time about what he wanted to do.”

Blankenship was hobbled by an ankle injury throughout fall camp and was going to primarily be a special teams contributor for the Cyclones when they start play on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Rhoads said that Blankenship desired an opportunity to see more time on the field as a running back, an opportunity he likely will have at Ohio. Blankenship was listed behind redshirt freshman Jeff Woody at running back on the team’s most recent depth chart.

The Norman, Okla. native saw action in six games last season, primarily on special teams. He had four carries for 11 yards in 2009.

“What he’s given to this program has been fantastic in the year here and there’s no ill will whatsoever,” Rhoads said.