Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts on the sidelines during the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Fighting Irish 55-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Former four-star RB reportedly transferring from Notre Dame

Notre Dame's backfield will take a hit with this defection.

College football players graduating and subsequently transferring with two years of eligibility is becoming an increasing trend across the country. On Friday, another such player hit the market, as 247Sports reports that Notre Dame will lose former four-star prospect Justin Brent to the transfer market.

Brent, who entered college as one of the top 100 prospects in the country according to 247's composite rankings, never matured into an on-field factor with the Fighting Irish. He was moved from wide receiver to running back early in his college career and, with a lot of talent in front of him, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound athlete from Indianapolis simply could not crack the playing rotation in the backfield.

The report indicates that a slew of schools, highlighted by UCLA, Miami, Ohio State and Indiana (close to home), could be in the mix to land his services. Though it is unclear what kind of impact Brent can make at this level, his pedigree is highly encouraging and there is unquestioned talent here. His next step will be worth monitoring, especially if he moves to a team with immediate running back needs, and Notre Dame will likely be on the market to fill his scholarship as quickly as possible.