College Football

Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey to skip Sun Bowl, focus on NFL draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:51 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI Wire/Sports Illustrated

Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey says he will not play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl to focus on preparing for the NFL draft.

The Cardinal will play North Carolina in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 30.

"Very tough decision, but I have decided not to play in the Sun Bowl so I can begin my draft prep immediately," McCaffrey said on Twitter. "Thx to all my teammates for their 100% support -- It means a lot to me. Go Cardinal!"

McCaffrey announced earlier this month that he would forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

McCaffrey is the second All-American running back to sit out the bowl season as LSU running Leonard Fournette has said he will skip the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl against Louisville on Dec. 31.

McCaffrey rushed for 1,603 yards and 13 touchdowns on 253 carries this season. He finishes his college career at Stanford with 3,922 rushing yards, 1,206 receiving yards, 1,859 return yards and 33 career touchdowns.

- Scooby Axson