Hilliard leaves Iowa

Iowa announced Friday that redshirt freshman running back C.J. Hilliard has decided to transfer. Hilliard is the eighth Iowa player to transfer this year.

'C.J. Hilliard has elected to transfer to another institution closer to home to continue his academic and football pursuits,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. 'C.J. had a tremendous attitude in our program and we wish him the best.”

Hilliard is the third member of the 2014 recruiting class to leave the UI. He joins defensive back Jalen Embry, whose transfer was announced earlier this week, and running back Markel Smith, who didn't qualify after signing. During this calendar year, Iowa also has lost quarterback Jake Rudock, linebackers Reggie Spearman and John Kenny, defensive backs Malik Rucker and Solomon Warfield and offensive lineman Reid Sealby to transfer.

Hilliard, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, didn't attend last Saturday's scrimmage at Kinnick Stadium. He attended St. Xavier High School and redshirted in 2014.

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