Another starter for the Panthers announced his departure from the program.

Junior defensive back NiJhay Burt posted on his Instagram account that he will enter the transfer portal tomorrow, Dec. 9.

“First and foremost, God, thank you for allowing me to play the game I love at a high level,” Burt’s posts read. “Thank you for the chance to live my dream and be in a position that I’ve prayed to be in since I was a kid. I would like to thank coach Wilkerson and the rest of the staff for giving me an opportunity and instilling life lessons in me that will carry throughout the rest of my life. This past football season, I’ve made memories and relationships that will last forever. To my teammates, I will always be thankful for the brotherhood and bonds that were created on and off the field. With that being said, I will be entering my name in the transfer portal to explore my options with one to two more years of eligibility remaining.”

Burt, a Munhall, Pennsylvania, native played in all 12 games this season, recording 64 total tackles, five passes defended, three interceptions and a forced fumble.

Burt ranked seventh in the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference in interceptions and 20th in tackles.

The NCAA transfer portal opens on Dec. 9 and closes on Dec. 28.

Zaria Flippin can be reached at 581-2812 or at zhflippin@eiu.edu.