UNC grad transfer Greg Ross no longer joining ISU football program

Oct 26, 2019; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Greg Ross (10) against Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Aaron Young (81) in the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Ross was called for pass interference on the play. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

North Carolina graduate transfer defensive back Greg Ross is no longer expected to join the Iowa State football program, head coach Matt Campbell confirmed to the media on Friday.

Ross committed to the Cyclones in May, but Campbell said earlier this summer the Maryland native had not joined the program due to an ongoing family issue.

“No, no, Greg, like I said early this summer, some family situation that kind of kept him close to home,” Campbell said. “He decided not to play football and, again, we certainly respect Greg and have all the respect for him and his family. Obviously, wish him the absolute best.”

Ross was expected to bolster a talented Iowa State defensive secondary after starting 11 of the 24 games he appeared in for the Tar Heels over the last three years. In those 24 games, totaled 57 tackles, nine passes defended and two tackles for loss.

Even without Ross, the Cyclones have a great deal of experience returning in the defensive backs room led by two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection Greg Eisworth along with honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree Lawrence White plus incumbent starters at cornerback Anthony Johnson and Tayvonn Kyle.

Redshirt junior Datrone Young is another player who has seen time in the starting lineup at cornerback while youngsters Isheem Young, D.J. Miller Jr. and others are expected to step into bigger roles this season.