Tennessee senior wide receiver Pig Howard has been dismissed from the team, coach Butch Jones confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
Jones said that Howard has been dealing with the effects of several nagging injuries (concussion, ankle), but Jones clarified that his dismissal had nothing to do with his health status, rather he is being dismissed for an undisclosed violation of team rules.
“You try to impact every young person that comes into your program,” Jones said. “It’s all about choices and decisions. It’s unfortunate, but we have to continue to move forward. We have high expectations for our football program.”
Howard had been one of Tennessee’s most consistent receivers the past few seasons, leading the Vols with 47 catches and 534 yards. He’s appeared in just two games this season (Oklahoma, Western Carolina) and recorded one reception for eight yards and had two carries for 13 yards.
The Orlando, Fla., native was briefly away from the program in the spring of 2014, but rejoined the team during that summer and had a productive junior season – finishing fourth in the SEC in receptions.
Howard is the second SEC receiver that finished in the top 12 in the conference last season in receptions to be dismissed from their program this week, joining Auburn’s Duke Williams.
Howard finishes his UT career with 34 game appearances, 105 receptions, 984 receiving yards and 214 yards rushing with two additional scores on the ground.
Injury notes: Jones also updated the injury status of a few players on Wednesday. In encouraging news, freshman DE Kyle Phillips, who he earlier this week ruled out, has progressed and he now “anticipates” him playing against Georgia this weekend after injured his shoulder against Arkansas.
Offensive lineman Brett Kendrick has been limited in practice this week, per Jones. Jones said he anticipates receiver Marquez North, who did practice on Wednesday, playing against Georgia, but will know more the next couple days. Offensive lineman Dylan Wiesman remains limited in practice as well, per Jones.
