Freshman TE Chris Barnett leaves Michigan

Published Aug. 25, 2011 11:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan tight end Chris Barnett has left the team.

The school confirmed the move Thursday.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound freshman from Hurst, Texas, was a highly regarded player in Brady Hoke's first recruiting class earlier this year. Barnett was ranked as a top 20 prospect by recruiting analysts. He was projected as a future starter because No. 1 tight end Kevin Koger is a senior.

Fellow freshman Tony Posada, an offensive lineman, and junior receiver Je'Ron Stokes, who had three career receptions, have also left the program since Hoke took over for the fired Rich Rodriguez.