Indiana’s Coleman Opts for NFL Draft; Howard Decision Soon?
Nov 22, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-27. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
According to an ESPN report, Indiana tailback, Tevin Coleman, has opted to enter into the 2015 NFL draft. “This is my dream,” Coleman told ESPN. Many around the program anticipated that after his record-setting 2000 yard season, Coleman would bolt to the NFL, striking while the iron was hot for a big payout. The decision was quite a bit more difficult than most realized, as the Indianapolis Star reported several days ago that the decision may not come until the new year. The news ends a month of speculation as to Coleman’s future with the Hoosiers.
More from Ink on Indy
- Still Searching for Their Groove, Pacers Take on Struggling Magic Thursday Night
- Pacers Travel to the Nation’s Capital to Begin Four Game Road Trip
- Update on Pacers’ Oladipo’s Serious Leg Injury
- Has Romeo Langford Been a Disappointment for the Hoosiers?
- The Indianapolis Colts Have a Brutal Road Schedule in 2019
Now, the Hoosier staff will likely turn its full attention to signing UAB transfer, Jordan Howard. As we reported earlier this month, Howard, and his former UAB teammate (and now Indiana commit) Marqui Hawkins had made an official visit to Indiana 2 weeks ago. Recently, Howard tweeted that he had narrowed his choice down to Indiana and Vanderbilt, leading to speculation that the standout back was waiting on Coleman’s decision before possibly pulling the trigger for the Hoosiers.
While Coleman was second rushing in the FBS division with 2,036 yards, Howard finished seventh, with 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns. While losing Coleman will certainly sting, being able to add a back with the talent and experience that Howard has would allow Indiana to maintain a strong running game going into the 2015 campaign.
With 17 commits already in the fold, Kevin Wilson and his staff has done a great job addressing positions of need. The missing piece was at running back. With the spring semester fast approaching, expect Howard to make a decision within the next week.