Jordan Howard, the Gardendale High star running back who dashed onto the national college-football stage at UAB and Indiana, will leave the Hoosiers a year early and enter the National Football League draft.
Howard, who was named to the Big Ten All-Conference first team this season, finished his season in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York Cityon Saturday, which the Hoosiers lost to Duke 44-41 in overtime. He finished with 1,213 rushing yards for the season, which is the fifth best in Indiana’s history, despite missing four full games and part of a fifth due to injury.
After four stellar games to start the 2015 season, Howard was mentioned on at least three watch lists for the Heisman Trophy, though his injury later dashed any hopes of winning college football’s highest individual honor.
Howard ended up in Bloomington after the Blazer football program was shut down in 2014. In his two seasons at UAB, he ran for 2,468 yards. His 1,587 yards in his sophomore year was the best in Conference USA.
At Gardendale, Howard ran for 1,386 yards in his senior season of 2012, and scored 20 touchdowns. He was not highly regarded by college recruiters, though, and ended up with UAB almost as an afterthought.
Howard released a statement through IU, which reads as follows:
"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!"
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