Michigan State RB Connor Heyward Withdraws From Transfer Portal and Returns to School

Michigan State running back Connor Heyward announced on Twitter Thursday evening that entering the transfer portal doesn't automatically mean goodbye. He has decided to withdraw from the portal and instead continue his football career with the Spartans.

Heyword originally entered the transfer portal during the tenure of former coach Mike Dantonio. After Dantonio stepped down and Heyward talked with new head coach Mel Tucker, he decided to continue his career in East Lansing.

Heyward was Michigan State's leading rusher two seasons ago, piling up 529 yards and five touchdowns on 118 carries while grabbing 32 receptions for 249 yards. However, he appeared in only four games in 2019, taking 24 carries for just 79 yards.

That limited playing time granted him redshirt status and another season of eligibility -- eligibility he was planning on taking elsewhere before hearding some encouraging words from Tucker.

Heyward will now get to team up with Elijah Collins to form a Michigan State backfield that enters 2020 with real promise.