National Football League

LSU RB Leonard Fournette declares for NFL draft

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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LSU running back Leonard Fournette will enter the 2017 NFL draft, he announced on Twitter on Monday.

Fournette, a junior, will forgo his final year of college eligibility to enter the draft.

"I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL draft after our bowl game," Fournette wrote. "I make this announcement now so that there will not be speculation and distractions while we prepare. I want everyone to know that I will forever treasure my experience as a Tiger. I will take with me the many valuable lessons that I have learned here, and the love that you have shown me throughout the years."

Fournette has played in only seven games this season as he dealt with lingering ankle injuries. In those seven games he has rushed for 843 yards and eight touchdowns. His status for the Citrus Bowl against Louisville on New Years Eve is still in question.

Forever LSU, Forever Buganation pic.twitter.com/sdkN0JaonF
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) December 5, 2016

Fournette is considered one of the top prospects in the draft after compiling 3,830 rushing yards in 32 games at LSU and breaking the SEC record for rushing yards per game with 162.8 last season.

The deadline for players to declare for the draft is Jan. 16.

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