Former Cedar Rapids Washington all-state running back Andre Dawson is leaving the University of Northern Iowa football program. Dawson, who was a red-shirt freshman this last season, is expected to transfer to a community college, according to a news release distributed by the school Thursday.

Below is the news release with a quote from UNI football coach Mark Farley:

University of Northern Iowa redshirt freshman running back Andre Dawson will transfer to a junior college to continue his collegiate playing career.

“Andre and his mother, Hilda, have the best intentions in mind with this move,” UNI head coach Mark Farley said. “Andre would like to take this opportunity at a junior college and see where it takes him. He has been a model student-athlete at UNI and I wish nothing but the best for him and his mother as they take this next step.”

Dawson played his prep football at Cedar Rapids Washington High School. Dawson redshirted during the 2010 UNI football season.