UCLA’s Morrell Presley, Courtney Viney to transfer

UCLA tight end Morrell Presley and cornerback Courtney Viney will transfer, according to the school.

Presley was considered a coup when he committed to UCLA. Bruins’ Coach Rick Neuheisel went head to head with USC’s Pete Carroll and was able to lure him to Westwood. But Presley, ranked the top tight end in the nation by some scouting services, did not develop and became mired in off-the-field troubles.

Presley was suspended for a game after violating an unspecified team rule his freshman season. He was academically ineligible for the EagleBank Bowl that season. Last season, he was suspended one game after testing positive in a drug test, according to sources in the program. In two seasons, Presley had 11 receptions for 63 yards. He will have two years of eligibility, plus a redshirt year, remaining.

Viney will graduate from UCLA in June, making him immediately eligible to play a fifth year at another school.