Kansas State football running back Joe Ervin, receiver Tyrone Howell to transfer

MANHATTAN — Kansas State took a hit to its running back depth Sunday when second-leading rusher Joe Ervin announced via social media that he is entering the transfer portal.

Later in the day, wide receiver Tyrone Howell revealed that he is transferring as well, making him the third Wildcat player to depart in the last week and the fourth this month.

Ervin, a 5-foot-8, 178-pound, sophomore from Rock Hill, South Carolina, was the primary backup to 1,000-yard rusher Deuce Vaughn and appeared in 10 regular-season games this season with three starts. He ranks second on the team in rushing with 322 yards and two touchdowns.

"I would like to thank Kansas State University for allowing me to be a student, and play the game that I love," Ervin said Sunday in a post on his Twitter account. "I would like to thank coach (Chris) Klieman and his staff for everything. After much prayer, and consideration I have decided to enter the transfer portal."

Ervin showed promise as a true freshman in 2019 when he appeared in four games and rushed for 95 yards while preserving his redshirt season. He then opted out in 2020 before rejoining the team in the spring.

His best game this season came against Nevada, when he rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He also had 60 yards on nine attempts against Kansas and scored a touchdown in a victory over West Virginia.

Ervin was injured against Baylor and did not play in the regular-season finale at Texas.

Tyrone Howell leaves after one season

Howell, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior from Idabel, Oklahoma, appeared in all 12 regular-season games this season and had seven catches for 98 yards. He transferred to K-State from Hutchinson Community College, where he helped the Blue Dragons to a national championship in the spring of 2021.

"I would like to thank Kansas State University for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the program," Howell posted on Twitter. "I would like to thank the KState coaching staff for everything! With long thoughts and prayers, I will be entering the transfer portal w/2 years of eligibility."

In addition to Ervin and Howell, linebacker Wayne Jones announced his intention to transfer last week, while defensive back Aamaris Brown entered the transfer portal earlier this month.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football receiver Tyrone Howell to transfer