Jerod is now 23 years old. He has played collegiate football for parts of 3+ seasons. He is one of 9 children with one brother having physical challenges. This seems to possibly be a personal decision that it's time to make some money to support his family. Reportedly he told some of his teammates before the bowl game he was likely going pro.

So while the VT fans wish he had returned for another season perhaps he feels it is in his family's best interests that he go to work. While the NFL draft didn't work out for him there is always free agency as well as the Canadian League. If he gets the chance to play, and he clearly feels confident he can play at this level, then he will gain the opportunity to show others what he can do.

Finally with his losing three key offensive pieces - Rogers, Hodges and Ford he may have felt his numbers would drop in '17. So better to leave now.

All speculation and until he speaks publicly on the subject that is all we can do. I say thank you Jerod for one great season and best wishes down the road to you and your entire Evans family.