LSU RB Leonard Fournette declares for NFL draft

When LSU takes on Louisville in the Citrus Bowl, it will mark the final collegiate game for Leonard Fournette.

The junior Tigers running back announced Monday that he will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2017 NFL draft.

Forever LSU, Forever Buganation pic.twitter.com/sdkN0JaonF

— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) December 5, 2016

“I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft after our bowl game,” Fournette said. “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. I will forever be an LSU Tiger. Thank you.

The New Orleans native arrived at LSU in 2014 as a five-star recruit and the top running back prospect in the country. After a slow start to his true freshman season, it quickly became clear that the hype was justified as Fournette finished the season with 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Fournette’s strong finish to the 2014 season carried over into 2015 when he rushed for an LSU record 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore, including a stretch of seven straight games with at least 150 yards and four games with 200-plus yards.

Fournette was expected to contend for the Heisman this season, but has dealt with an ankle injury throughout the year. In just seven games, Fournette has 843 yards and eight scores, including a career-high 284 yards on just 16 carries in the Oct. 22 win over Ole Miss.

At 3,380 yards, Fournette currently ranks fourth in LSU history in rushing yards.

Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said Sunday that Fournette is considered “day-to-day” for the Citrus Bowl, which will be played Dec. 31 in Orlando.

“I don’t know that; I hope he does,” Orgeron said when asked if Fournette will play. “We’ll come back and see if he’s ready to go and practice. Hopefully he does.

“He’s been in every meeting, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, wanting to go. He’s always indicated to me he’s wanted to represent the LSU Tigers in the best way. If an injury prevents him, it prevents him. If he’s well and ready to go, he’s going to play.”

Fournette indicated the same in his letter declaring his intent to go pro.

“This has been a very trying season, but I have continued to fight to play to the best of my ability,” he wrote. “Each day I study and work and rehab with my coaches, trainers and teammates so that I can return to the field for the bowl game, and help our team bring another victory home.”