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Miami RB Duke Johnson announces he's heading to NFL draft
Miami running back Duke Johnson won't stick around for his senior season.
A day after the Hurricanes lost to South Carolina in the Independence Bowl, Johnson announced that he'd be heading to the NFL draft.
"I will be going to the NFL next year," Johnson said via CaneSport.com. "I think at this stage in my life, I'm at the stage in the NFL where backs don't get too much value. I think it's best and get a jump while I can. It's what is best for me and my family."
He also said the decision was for his grandmother, a woman who has been an integral part of Johnson's life.
"At the end of the day everything I do is for her and my grandmother who has sacrificed so much," Johnson said. "This decision is made for them, too, just to help them out and put them in the best situation."
Johnson leaves Miami as the school's all-time leading rusher, a remarkable feat when you consider the likes of Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Edgerrin James and Frank Gore have all come through Miami in recent memory. But none of those players had the career record that Johnson broke this season. It was previously held by Ottis Anderson.
Johnson finishes his career with 3.519 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns. He had 1,652 yards in 2014 and 10 touchdowns. He likely would have close to 4,000 career yards if it wasn't for a broken ankle he suffered against Florida State in 2013. The injury ended his season.
A likely mid-round pick, Johnson had 24 carries for 132 yards against South Carolina. He joins an impressive list of underclassmen running backs who have declared for the 2015 NFL draft. Before Johnson's decision, Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon, Boise State's Jay Ajayi and Georgia's Todd Gurley all said they were going pro.
For more Miami news, visit CaneSport.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
