Kansas Running Back Velton Gardner Enters Transfer Portal
KU running back Velton Gardner, a junior, entered the transfer portal on Monday, as first reported by Jayhawk Slant.
Gardner was the backup to Pooka Williams before Williams opted out early last season to enter the NFL draft, and was expected to lead the Jayhawks’ rushing attack this season.
As a true freshman, Gardner rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns. His role grew a bit last season as he carried the ball 72 times for 325 yards and a pair of scores. Three games into this season, however, Gardner had only rushed for 56 yards on 29 attempts, trailing RB Devin Neal, who has 74 yards on 29 attempts, and QB Jason Bean, who has 221 yards on 40 attempts.
Despite Gardner’s lack of production, this is a blow to the Jayhawks’ depth chart in a season that has already been difficult for the KU offense. However, some attrition is to be expected with a new coaching staff as Lance Leipold tries to slowly get KU on track.
The Jayhawks are 1-2 on the season, starting off the season with a win over South Dakota. But then in Week 2, KU lost to Coastal Carolina on the road and that was followed up in Week 3 by a loss to the Baylor Bears.
