Miami Hurricanes RB Duke Johnson has officially declared for the NFL just one day after losing to South Carolina in the Independence Bowl. Johnson leaves the Canes as the school’s all-time leading rusher and says that he is making the decision based on what’s best for him and his family.
“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.”
“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 finishes the 2014 season with 1,652 yards rushing and 10 TDs. Overall, he career at Miami racked up 3,519 yards and he could’ve had more had he not suffered a broken ankle against Florida State in 2013. There are several great RBs coming out of Miami, such as Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee, so Johnson’s achievements at the program are pretty impressive.
[h/t Yahoo]