IU junior running back Jordan Howard will forego his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft, IU Athletics announced in a press release Monday morning.
Despite missing complete games and parts of three others due to various injuries, Howard still rushed for 1,213 yards and 10 total touchdowns this season. The Gardendale, Ala. native was named first-team All-Big Ten after finishing ninth in the country with 134.8 rushing yards per game.
"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," Howard said in a statement. "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."
Howard came to Bloomington after two years at University of Alabama at Birmingham, when UAB announced they would be halting its football program. Howard replaced former IU running back and current Atlanta Falcon Tevin Coleman, who set a program record with 2,036 rushing yards before also declaring for the NFL Draft prior to his senior season.
Howard, a power-running back, ran for at least 145 yards in the five games he played, including 238 yards in an overtime loss to Michigan. Due to a knee scope of an unconfirmed injury, Howard missed IU's Pinstripe Bowl game against Duke Dec. 26th.
"Today, because of the prayers, love and support of so many people, I'm one step closer to making my NFL dream a reality!" Howard said. "God bless and Go Hoosiers!"
Howard's departure adds to the offensive holes Coach Kevin Wilson and his staff must fill prior to the 2016 season. Senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld, the program's all-time leading passer, is also expected to join Howard in the NFL ranks. All-American senior left tackle Jason Spriggs is projected to be a high pick in the April draft.
Howard finished his career with 17 100-yard games, including those spent in Birmingham, Ala. He became the 11th Hoosier to reach 1,000 rushing yards and finished 12th on IU's single-season list after his junior season.
The announcement opens the way for sophomore running back Devine Redding, who recently set the IU bowl record with 227 yards against Duke. Redding finished with 1,012 rushing yards on the season, including 501 yards in his final three games with Howard sidelined. For the first time in program history, the Hoosiers had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2015.
The NFL Scouting Combine is set for late February, while the 2016 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 28-30th in New York City.
"My sincerest thanks to all of my coaches and teammates at Indiana University and the University of Alabama-Birmingham," Howard said. "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."
Teddy Bailey
