Redshirt freshman running back Squally Canada has left the program, according to two independent sources who informed cougfan.com.

The sources were unaware as to why Canada quit the team, but he is expected to remain enrolled at WSU and finish out the semester. Canada wasn’t present at practice on Saturday, or Thursday’s practice during the bye week.

Canada was in his first year with the program after agreeing to play for the Cougars. He resides from Milpitas, California, and did not return any calls or text messages on the matter.

Over the course of this season, Canada was primarily used as the scout team running back and had been faring well in practices and on Thursday night football scrimmages for the Cougars.

Throughout the year, running back coach Jim Mastro and the Cougar staff spoke highly of Canada’s ability and skill set. Canada was in line to compete for the starting job at running back next season.

Canada’s departure leaves the Cougars with Theron West, Jamal Morrow, Gerard Wicks and Marcus Mason as the only running backs on the roster. However, freshman wide receiver Keith Harrington has seen time in the running back position during scrimmages.

WSU declined to confirm or comment as Leach’s policy is to keep team matters behind closed doors.

Reporting by William Cheshier