TCU starting running back Ed Wesley has left the team, Star-Telegram's Randy Galloway reported Sunday.

Wesley left for family reasons, while an unnamed "backup linebacker with potential" is expected to leave because of grades, according to the report.

Both defections weaken a Horned Frog team that has now lost seven key players since February, including three in the past week (counting the unnamed player.) Sophomore offensive lineman Nykiren Wellington transferred to Trinity Valley Community College, the Athens school announced Wednesday via Twitter. Starting defenders Tanner Brock, Devin Johnson and D.J. Yendrey, and reserve offensive lineman Ty Horn left the program after being arrested Feb. 15 on suspicion of selling drugs.

Wesley, who would have been a senior in the fall, started nine games last season and was second on the team with 726 rushing yards. After redshirting in 2008, the Irving native earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2009 and was a first-team all-conference performer in 2010 in addition to being a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award given to the nation's top running back.

Jason Kirk, a college football editor at SBNation.com, wrote in a blog post on Thursday that sophomore linebacker Deryck Gildon could be a possible departure in addition to Wesley.

Gildon, an Arlington Martin product, appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman last year and had 21 tackles and two blocked punts on special teams. Gildon was named to the Mountain West all-freshman team.

Stay with TCU 360 for more updates throughout the day.