Jordan Todman, Shane Vereen declare for 2011 NFL Draft
After last night's blowout loss to Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, UConn running back Jordan Todman has announced that he will enter the 2011 NFL Draft, per Zac Boyer of the Hartford Courant.
"I felt like it was the right time for me," Todman said. "I stand pretty good with the competition … me and my family decided it's the right decision for me."
After a three-year career at UConn, Todman ranks second all-time in rushing yards (3,179) and rushing attempts (616) in school history.
Per the San Jose Mercury News, another running back to declare himself eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft was California's Shane Vereen, who graduated one month ago.
“Over the past month my family and I have been discussing a very tough decision,” said Vereen in a statement released by the school . “After much thought and deliberation we decided that this was the best time for us to move forward and enter the 2011 NFL Draft. I cherish my time at Cal and wouldn’t trade it for anything. This was one of the toughest decisions I have made, but feel like I will always be a part of the Cal family. I leave Cal with a degree and great memories. Go Bears!”
Vereen, who backed up Detroit's Jahvid Best for his first two seasons, rushed for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
MockingTheDraft.com ranks Vereen and Todman as their 76th and 91st overall prospects in this year's draft.
The four running backs they rank higher are Mark Ingram (Alabama), Mikel Leshoure (Illinois), LaMichael James (Oregon) and Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech).
