AUBURN | Auburn’s presumed starter at running back is off the team.

Gus Malzahn announced after Wednesday’s first preseason practice that senior Jovon Robinson has been dismissed from the team.

"I dismissed Jovon Robinson from our football team today," Malzahn said. "He did not meet my standards or expectations of what it takes to be an Auburn Tiger football player. We're going to have zero distractions on this team this year. I've given him his release and we wish him the best."

Malzahn said the decision was made and Robinson was informed Wednesday. Malzahn declined to offer details into the reason for the dismissal saying it was between him and Robinson.

"Anytime you have to dismiss a player, I don't care who it is, it's tough as a coach. This is a team and this year there'll be no distractions," Malzahn said. "You always feel bad as a coach if somebody's dismissed but you're going to do what's best for the team. That's that I did."

Robinson rushed for 639 yards and three touchdowns last season with all but 20 of those yards coming in the final six games when he averaged 103.2 yards.

He capped off his junior season with 126 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries against Memphis to earn MVP of the Birmingham Bowl.

Robinson went through spring practice and was the starting tailback in the A-Day game.