South Bend, IN

Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood has announced that he will join the NFL Draft, claiming it "was the right decision that would most benefit my family".

Ranked 16th among running back draft prospects by ESPN Scouts, Wood ran for 742 yards and four touchdowns this season, averaging 6.5 yards per carry for the Fighting Irish.

"Having to make a decision like whether to stay in school or leave to pursue a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL is never simple," Wood said in a statement released by Notre Dame.

"I had to weigh many factors over the last month, but ultimately it came down to what I felt was the right decision that would most benefit my family," he added.

Wood has a one-year-old daughter, which was a factor in his decision.

The 6-foor, 215-pound Wood ran for 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

However, he was limited to two yards on four carries in Notre Dame's 42-14 loss to Alabama in the BCS national title game.

A source said Wood has been told that he could end up as a third-round draft choice, but he hopes to improve his chances of being drafted in earlier rounds with workouts.

"Cierre has been an important member of our football team in my three years at Notre Dame and I appreciate all he did to help get our program back on top," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said.

"I wish him well in the future and hope he has a successful playing career at the next level," Kelly added.

 

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