A draft class stocked with running backs added another underclassman Monday as Arizona junior Ka’Deem Carey announced he will enter the NFL draft. The news was first reported by Yahoo Sports’ Rand Getlin.
Carey, the 2013 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time All-American, rushed for 1,885 yards and 19 touchdowns on 349 carries this season for the Wildcats. Carey led the nation in rushing in 2012 with 1,929 yards.
“I’m excited for the next phase of my career and to enter the NFL Draft,” Carey said in a press release. “I want to thank God, my family, Coach Rodriguez, Coach Magee and all of my coaches for everything they’ve done for me. My time playing football for Arizona will always be very special to me and I want to thank the fans and the Tucson community for supporting me throughout my career.”
With 4,232 yards, Carey leaves Arizona as the school’s all-time career rushing leader and is seventh all-time in Pac-12 history. Carey’s 366-yard performance against Colorado in 2012 is an Arizona and conference single-game record.
Elsewhere in the Pac-12, Stanford announced that two-time All-American left guard David Yankey will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Yankey, a redshirt junior, is on track to graduate in the spring with a degree in science, technology and society.
“I reached my decision following conversations with family and coaches, and am greatly looking forward to the next chapter in life,” Yankey said. “The decision was not easy. I have loved my time at Stanford and am a proud member of Nerd Nation. I am humbled at the prospect of joining a long list of Stanford alumni currently playing in the NFL.”
Yankey was a unanimous All-American in 2013 – the eighth in Stanford history – and was a consensus All-American in 2012.
Another underclassman offensive lineman, LSU guard Trai Turner, will also enter the draft according to a statement from his agent. Turner, a redshirt sophomore, will join fellow LSU redshirt sophomore Jeremy Hill, who also announced his intentions on Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 316-pound Turner was a second-team All-SEC selection by the AP. He is one of six LSU underclassmen to leave early for the NFL.
Elsewhere in the SEC, ESPN’s Joe Schad reported that junior Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri will also declare for the draft. Sunseri played in seven games before tearing his ACL and according to Schad, he is “recovering nicely.”
The NFL deadline for underclassmen to declare is Jan. 15, so there should be another wave of announcements in the next few days.
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