The Seattle Seahawks have waived running back Anthony Hankerson, potentially paving the way for the 23-year-old to return to college football.
Hankerson signed with the Seahawks last week and played in their 19-16 preseason loss at Tennessee on Sunday night. He rushed for 10 yards on five carries and caught two passes for nine yards. He is one of 16 players who graduated high school in 2022 and became eligible to play a fifth collegiate season thanks to a Louisiana court order last week.
The ruling, which granted temporary restraining orders to players like Hankerson, has sent shockwaves through the NFL. Running back T.J. Harden, who also benefited from the order, was waived by the Seahawks and entered the transfer portal last week.
Hankerson, an undrafted rookie out of Oregon State, had signed with Miami in April but was waived earlier this month. He ran for 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns last season, his second in Corvallis. He also had 22 catches for 123 yards.
The Seahawks' decision to waive Hankerson is likely a result of the team's depth at running back. With established players like Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer, the team may not see a need for Hankerson's services.
However, the college option remains a possibility for Hankerson. Once he clears waivers, he could enter the transfer portal and explore his collegiate options. It's a move that would be a departure from Hankerson's initial plan to play in the NFL.
Hankerson's waiver clears the way for him to pursue a fifth collegiate season, a move that could have significant implications for college football. The Louisiana court order has already caused a stir, and Hankerson's decision to return to college could be a major storyline in the coming weeks.
Source: Yahoo Sports