Wide receiver Lance Ray will not return to Arkansas next season.

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino confirmed through a university spokesperson Monday afternoon the sophomore has been granted a release from his scholarship. It’s not a big surprise the two sides have parted ways after Ray was arrested for possession of marijuana in January and was not permitted to participate in spring practices.

Ray caught one pass for six yards as a redshirt freshman last season, turning in his biggest contributions on special teams after running back Dennis Johnson went down with a season-ending injury. Ray stepped in as Arkansas’ kick returner and led the team in kickoff returns (23), kickoff return yards (518) and kickoff return average (22.5).

The Havana, Fla., native’s departure isn’t expected to hurt the Razorbacks at receiver because of the abundance of options. Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Cobi Hamilton return as the top four targets. Arkansas also has viable options in Julian Horton, Maudrecus Humphrey, Javontee Herndon, Marquel Wade and Quinta Funderburk.

It’s not immediately known where Ray intends to transfer.

— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau