ATHENS - After giving up his Georgia football career, Ken Malcome is headed to the Midwest.

Malcome told several outlets, including ESPN and the Athens Banner-Herald, that he's transferring to Southern Illinois. A spokesman for Southern Illinois couldn't immediately confirm the news because no paperwork had been filed yet.

The Salukis are an FCS school coming off a 5-6 season. The program has sent three running backs to the NFL - including Brandon Jacobs, who transferred from Auburn because he couldn't crack the tailback rotation. Jacobs was stuck behind Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, leading Jacobs to continue his career elsewhere. Malcolm is aiming for a similar scenario.

Malcome left Georgia because he was stuck behind Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who locked down the top two roles during their outstanding freshman seasons. Malcome started Georgia's opener in 2012 season, but only ended up with 57 carries for 274 yards and two touchdowns.

Malcolme will have two years of eligibility remaining, and will be able to play immediately because of NCAA transfer rules between the FBS and FCS level.