Former 5-Star LB Prospect Erick Fowler Transferring from Texas

Erick Fowler, a former 4-star linebacker recruit, has been granted his release from Texas and plans to transfer. 

The university confirmed Fowler's exit in a statement Thursday, per Sam Cooper of Yahoo Sports. Taylor Estes of Scout.com first reported Fowler's exit May 23. 

Fowler recorded one tackle in the lone game he played during his freshman season with the Longhorns. Scout.com ranked Fowler No. 153 overall and 21st at his position coming out of Manor High School in Texas.

Texas has now lost four class of 2016 recruits, who signed their letters of intent under former coach Charlie Strong. The Longhorns fired Strong after a 5-7 campaign, after which they hired Tom Herman to turn the program around.

Defensive linemen Marcel Southall and Jordan Elliott and tight end Peyton Aucoin have also announced their intention to transfer. 

Herman coached Houston to a 22-4 record each of the last two seasons. Some level of upheaval is to be expected after a coaching change, especially for players with plenty of eligibility remaining. Fowler can sit out a year and still play three additional seasons at his next school. 

Fowler originally committed to LSU, and the Tigers might be in play for his services again. Les Miles was LSU's coach when Fowler committed, but new coach Ed Orgeron played a heavy hand in recruitment efforts under Miles.