BTN.com staff, January 18, 2012

(FightingIllini.com) University of Illinois head coach Tim Beckman announced the transfer of sophomore fullback Jay Prosch to Auburn on Wednesday, a move that will allow Prosch to be closer to his family in the Mobile, Ala., area, including his ailing mother. Prosch was named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly on Dec. 12 and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree this year. Watch our touching feature on Prosch and his mother now and read the rest of the release in this post.

"Jay Prosch has decided to transfer to Auburn and will be there for the current semester," Beckman said. "He will have an opportunity to be much closer to his mother, who continues to face health issues. We wish Jay the best as he makes this move."

Prosch served primarily as a blocking back the past two seasons, registering two carries for nine yards in his career. He also was a diligent special teams player, sharing the team?s outstanding special teams player award for 2011. Prosch led the squad with 10 tackles this season and had 11 total tackles for the year. In 2010, he helped pave the way for Illinois? single-season rushing leader, Mikel Leshoure, and the Big Ten?s top rushing offense.