Jordan Howard makes decision on NFL
Jordan Howard is one and done. At Indiana, that is.
The Hoosier tailback announced on Monday that he’ll be declaring for the NFL draft after spending one season in Bloomington. The UAB transfer earned first-team All-B1G honors after rushing for 135 yards per game.
He delivered the following statement:
“After much thought and prayer, I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility to pursue my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. My success to date would not have been possible without God and the support of family and countless people. I’d like to thank my parents, Dr. Reginald Howard (deceased) and Flora Williams for their unyielding and unwavering support over the years.
“My sincerest thanks to all of my coaches and teammates at Indiana University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. I would like to personally thank former UAB coach Garrick McGee for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Coach Kevin Wilson, thank you for allowing me to be a part of a great football family. Coach Deland McCullough, thank you for coaching and pushing me to realize my true potential. Coach Mark Hill, thank you for inspiring me to work harder at strength and conditioning.
“To my IU family, I could have never imagined receiving the love and support that you all have shown me since my arrival on campus. A special thanks to the training staff, Christa Sist and IU academics.
“Today, because of the prayers, love and support of so many people, I’m one step closer to making my NFL dream a reality! God bless and Go Hoosiers!”
The Indiana tailback has more 150-yard rushing games than anyone in college football in the last three years.
A knee injury prevented Howard from playing in the Pinstripe Bowl, but he was a major reason why the Hoosiers played in their first postseason game in eight years. In his absence, sophomore Devine Redding set the Pinstripe Bowl record with 227 yards rushing. Redding will be the likely replacement for Howard in 2016.
The 6-1, 230-pound tailback figures to be one of the top prospect at his position in the 2016 NFL draft.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft is Jan. 18.