Indiana football received more good news on Sunday as another former player announced his intention to return to the program from the transfer portal.
Running back Trent Howland announced his decision to return to Indiana following a previous commitment to Minnesota. Howland committed to the Gophers last week after entering the portal following a strong sophomore season.
Howland had 75 carries for 354 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Howland saw his production increase when Rod Carey took over the offensive play calling midway through the season. He saw his top five yardage games come in the final seven weeks of the season. His two best performances were 13 carries for 72 yards and one touchdown against Illinois and then 19 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown against Michigan State.
“Trent, so to me, is a guy that’s just really challenged about using his size and running with that kind of authority. Even though he’s a big guy, he’s always viewed himself a little bit more of a finesse type runner,” Former Indiana football head coach Tom Allen said this season. “He’s got great ball skills. He’s a really good athlete. You should see him on the basketball court. He’s an impressive athlete.
“Trent, starting the week before Michigan, showed enough to get more reps and then showed us enough here (against Rutgers) to get even more reps going forward,” Former IU offensive coordinator Rod Carey said. “That that started in practice. His entire practice fall camp and then he certainly got his opportunities. And when you get your opportunities in games and you execute the way he has been, that deserves more. So that’s (snap count) going to continue to go up.”
Howland’s return gives Indiana another boost to its backfield. He will join Josh Henderson and Wake Forest transfer Justice Ellison — who announced his transfer decision last week.
He now becomes the fourth player to return to Indiana after being in the transfer portal. He joins Donaven McCulley, Carter Smith and Jordan Grier.
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