Georgia Tech Football: Jerry Howard enters transfer portal

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Jerry Howard Jr. #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets makes a 54-yard reception as defensive end Justin Foster #35 of the Clemson Tigers pursues during the third quarter of their football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Jerry Howard Jr. #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets makes a 54-yard reception as defensive end Justin Foster #35 of the Clemson Tigers pursues during the third quarter of their football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)

Georgia Tech senior Jerry Howard will not be finishing his collegiate career on The Flats. On Tuesday, the South Carolina native announced that he will be entering the transfer portal as a running back and will be searching for a new home to play his final year of college football. Howard made the announcement on Twitter, Tuesday afternoon.

https://twitter.com/iamjerryhoward/status/1351617329705086978

A member of Georgia Tech’s 2017 recruiting class, Howard has seen considerable playing time in each of the last four seasons on The Flats. As a true freshman in 2017, Howard had only 24 touches but showed great promise racking up 190 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. In 2018, he saw that role grow with 111 touches for 614-yards and five touchdowns. However, in 2019, under the Jackets’ new regime, Howard’s role diminished as he saw just 29 touches in the new offense, though still for a considerable strong 6.7 yards per touch. This past season, Howard made the move to linebacker, playing in five games and recording four tackles. He also had three rushing attempts on the season for 17-yards.

If Howard would’ve returned in 2021, he would’ve likely seen little playing time no matter which side of the ball he was going to play on. Likely destined for a Group of Five program or FCS program, Howard will look to carve out more playing time for himself at his new program. No matter where he lands, he’ll be a nice pickup for his new program as he’ll present a strong downhill runner. Notable programs that have already started showing interest on Twitter in Howard include Akron, Eastern Carolina, Texas State, and Western Kentucky.