Savon Huggins arrived at Rutgers in 2011 as the most heralded in recruit in program history. While his career didn't meet those lofty expectations, the running back left Rutgers on Monday with a legacy for representing his state school proudly and loyally.

Huggins received his release from Rutgers coach Kyle Flood and the Jackson native will pursue a transfer to another school for his final season of eligibility.

"He's ready to start anew," said his father, Wendell, in a phone interview with NJ Advance media.

Huggins thanked Rutgers fans for their support on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

"Thanks to all my fans and the RU Family will always be in my heart always will be an alum there is still more to my story," Huggins wrote. "Most importantly I got my Degree!! And that's what being a student athlete is thanks to everyone for all ya support."

Huggins will be eligible to play immediately at another Division 1-A program as a graduate transfer. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics this semester, finishing in just 3-1/2 years.

"That was very impressive," Wendell Huggins said. "The family is very proud of him for what he did. We're happy with his accomplishments."

A five-star recruit and the consensus No. 1 recruit in New Jersey in the class of 2011, Huggins chose to stay home, picking Rutgers over a list of national powerhouses.

The 6-foot, 200-pound St. Peter's Prep product scored two touchdowns in his collegiate debut as a true freshman, but his career didn't take off as expected. Huggins totaled 842 yards and nine touchdowns on 261 attempts in his career.

"He was happy," Wendell Huggins said. "That was his dream. It was fulfilled. He did what he did he had to do. Again, it's time to move on. He got his degree and he did it in a very timely manner. I think that's an accomplishment in itself. It's a great thing."

Huggins considered transferring last winter, but decided to stay for his senior season after a meeting with Flood. A torn rotator cuff and a wrist injury sidelined Huggins this season, however, and he was redshirted. Flood, who said in October that he expected Huggins to return to Rutgers next season, will address the transfer in a postseason teleconference on Tuesday afternoon.

"Everything was great," Wendell Huggins said. "There weren't any problems. Everything was fantastic. No problems. Everything was on the level."

Although Huggins couldn't play this season, he was instrumental in helping the team's younger running backs on the practice field and in the film room.

"We're all very proud of his accomplishments and how he handled himself, through his injuries and based on his production and how everything went," Wendell Huggins said. "We're happy. We're ecstatic he was able to accomplish his degree in 3-1/2 years, and do it in the fashion that he did it. Not just 3-1/2 years but to be on the Dean's List several years in a row, that says a lot."

Wendell Huggins said his son is healthy now and working to rebuild his strength. Huggins said before the season that he still believes reaching the NFL is a realistic goal. Wendell Huggins said his son hasn't determined where he'll transfer.

"He's just looking forward to his future and trying to figure out what the next move is right now," Wendell Huggins said. "We're still up in the air and seeing what's open for him. He's very excited. He's ecstatic about that and ready to start working out and training in the offseason to get himself ready for that next year."

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