Former Gardendale running back Jordan Howard is officially NFL bound. The 6-foot-1 bruiser has been drafted with the No. 150 pick by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Howard experienced the fallout of the UAB program, where he signed out of high school and later transferred to Indiana. He starred in his one season as a Hoosier, running 1,213 yards on 196 carries and nine scores as a junior in 2015. 

“I like the promise he shows catching the football,” said ESPN’s Mel Kiper. “You talk about an aggressive, hard-nosed runner who takes a (toll) on a defensive.” 

The All-Big Ten back chose not to return to Bloomington for his senior season. 

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.