The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
UT running back elects to transfer
03.22.2002 | Football
AUSTIN, Texas - University of Texas senior running back Victor Ike (Austin, Texas/Bowie HS) has elected to transfer, head coach Mack Brown announced on Friday. Ike, who has been given an unconditional release from his scholarship by UT, has served as the Longhorns' top kickoff returner and backup tailback while playing in 32 games during the past three seasons.
"Victor is a fine young man and someone that worked extremely hard since coming to Texas," Brown said. "He was a productive player who provided us with an explosive kickoff returner over the past three seasons, but Victor wants a chance to be a featured tailback and feels that opportunity best presents itself elsewhere. We wish him the very best of luck and appreciate everything he has done for The University of Texas and its football program."
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder rushed for 595 yards and 11 TDs, caught 17 passes for 238 yards and two scores and registered 1,940 all-purpose yards in his three seasons as a Longhorn. Ike, who is not enrolled at UT this semester, said he plans to transfer to Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., this summer. Since Southern is a NCAA Division I-AA institution, Ike will be eligible to compete in the fall.
"It was a very difficult decision but one I feel is in my best interest," Ike said. "I don't have much time left in my college career and feel I will have an opportunity to contribute more on the field at Southern. I love UT, my coaches and teammates and the city of Austin, but this is what's best for me. I'll be playing somewhere else next year, but I'll always keep a close eye on my Longhorn friends and teammates."
