Peterson, Ohio State Duo Headed To NFL
Three of the top juniors in college football will forgo their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft in April.
Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson and Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman and WR Ted Ginn Jr. declared yesterday for the draft. WR Anthony Gonzalez, another star of the Buckeyes, had already made himself available for the draft.
Peterson ran for 4,045 yards in three seasons, ranking behind only 1978 Heisman winner Billy Sims (4,118) and Hall of Famer Joe Washington (4,071) on Oklahoma’s career rushing list. His 1,925 yards in 2004 were a school rushing record and the most by a freshman in NCAA history.
He started that season with an unprecedented nine straight 100-yard games. Peterson also finished second to Matt Leinart in voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy, the highest showing for a freshman.
Peterson had shoulder surgery in the offseason after his spectacular freshman season, then sprained his ankle and missed parts of four games as a sophomore as well as missing seven games this past season. Despite the missed time, Peterson still ran for 1,012 yards and 12 touchdowns. The only question mark on his resume is his ability to stay healthy. Even so, he should be a top ten pick.
Ginn’s dazzling speed is expected to make him a first-round pick, even though he’s likely to miss the Feb. 21-27 scouting combine because his left foot will be in a boot for three to five weeks after injuring it in the BCS Title game against Florida.
Ginn finished his career with 135 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’ll have extra value in the pros because of his skills as a return man.
Pittman was a two-year starter and has career marks of 2,945 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns. The 5-11, 195-pounder is a north-south runner who can put on an extra burst when needed.
Ohio State, Oklahoma, Adrian Peterson, NFL Draft
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