AUBURN- Malik Miller has hung up his cleats for good.

“Yes, I’ve decided to give up football as I have received a medical hardship and will not play my senior season here at Auburn,” Miller told the Madison Record in an exclusive interview. “I finished my bachelor degree this year and will begin a master’s in Public Administration this fall here at Auburn. At this time I’m not planning on transferring to another school.”

Miller was primarily a reserve running back for the Tigers playing in 35 games in his four seasons on The Plains. He rushed for 314 yards on 81 carries and five touchdowns during his time at Auburn and added 20 receptions for 217 yards and one TD.

He suffered a knee injury and had surgery during his freshman year receiving a medical redshirt.

The 5-foot-11, 235-pound running back began playing football in the third grade and considered himself an “overweight kid” who couldn’t run the football. He had a tremendous growth spurt in the eighth grade and quickly became a force in varsity high school play.

Always a student of science, Miller, 23, earned his degree in exercise science at Auburn and is anxiously awaiting the fall term to begin as he enters a master’s program.

He’s the son of Lemeco and Shaterra Miller and has one brother, Meco.

“I’m leaving football and have no plans to play again and look forward to earning a master’s degree,” added Miller.