Savon Huggins' search for a fresh start will take him far from home.

Huggins, who received his release to transfer from Rutgers two weeks ago, announced Friday that he will finish his career at Northern Iowa, a Division 1-AA program.

My new home for the next year...I'm am a Panther for the University of Northern Iowa now it's time to… http://t.co/Wu2XPqTBj1 — Savon Huggins (@twoocho) January 9, 2015

A five-star prospect from Jackson, Huggins was the No. 1 recruit in New Jersey in the class of 2011. The running back decided to stay home to attend Rutgers, but his career didn't live up to sky-high expectations.

Huggins totaled 842 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on 261 attempts in the first three years of his career. He redshirted last season due to a torn rotator cuff and a wrist injury.

Huggins earned his degree in economics in December and decided to transfer for his final season of eligibility.

"Basically, I just wanted a new start, something different," Huggins told NJ Advance Media after he announced his decision to transfer. "I think it was time for me to just move on. The decision didn't really come down to playing time or any of that, ultimately, because this was in my mind for a little while."

Huggins kept all of his options open in the search for a new school. The St. Peter's Prep product said his top priorities were playing time and an academic fit as he pursues a master's degree.

Huggins wasted little time choosing Northern Iowa, which went 9-5 last season and reached the second round of the Division 1-AA tournament. There appears to be an obvious opening for playing time, as Northern Iowa loses senior running back David Johnson, who rushed for 1,553 yards last season.

Huggins will be eligible to play immediately, as he transferred down a level. He is confident that he can thrive in a new environment.

"I'm not written off yet, so I'm excited for what's to come," Huggins said. "I'm just ready for the next chapter in my life."

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.