Receiver Pig Howard dismissed from the Vols Wednesday
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee wide receiver Pig Howard was dismissed from the football program Wednesday for violating team rules. Howard hasn’t played or practiced in more than two weeks after suffering a concussion against Western Carolina, and though head coach Butch Jones said his dismissal was not related to those injuries, he would not go into further detail.
“That’s between the student-athlete and ourselves, but we were just made aware of that today,” he said.
Howard led the Volunteers in receiving the past two seasons, but after serving a one-game suspension — also for a violation of team rules during the offseason — for this season’s opening game against Bowling Green, he played in just two games. He didn’t play the past two weeks against Florida or Arkansas, and Jones said previously Howard has also been slowed by ankle and elbow injuries.
Howard was suspended for part of the offseason in spring 2014, when it appeared his career was likely over because of offthe-field problems, but he rejoined the team for summer workouts and went on to be Tennessee’s most productive receiver last season, finishing with 54 catches for 618 yards and a touchdown.
But his senior year never got off the ground and his career is over now.
“It’s definitely a big loss,” Vols safety
Brian Randolph said. “He’s a very talented guy, a fun guy to be around. It’s a big week for us, and we can’t let any distractions in, so we’re all focusing on Georgia.”
In two games this season, Howard caught one pass for 8 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards.
“You try to impact every young person that comes into your program, and it’s all about choices and decisions,” Jones said. “It’s unfortunate. But we have to continue to move forward. We have very high standards and expectations in our football program.”
The Vols have been without two receivers (Jason Croom and Vincent Perry) for the entire season, and Johnathon Johnson and Marquez North have been limited or missed games this season.
If Johnson and North are unable to play Saturday against the Bulldogs, Tennessee would be down to five receivers, including two freshmen — Jauan Jennings, a converted quarterback, and Preston Williams, who missed all of training camp awaiting word on his eligibility.
Howard’s absence hasn’t helped Tennessee’s struggling passing game this season, and now the Vols must go on without him.
“He’s obviously a close friend of mine, but it’s not really tough,” cornerback Cameron Sutton said. “I’ve got a lot to focus on for myself. I’ve got a team to lead, and I’ve got to be prepared and ready to go each and every Saturday. We can’t really focus on that. We’ve got to get ready for each and every week.”
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.