Indiana Running Back Devine Redding to Forgo Senior Season and Enter 2017 NFL Draft

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers have quickly become a running back factory under Kevin Wilson and Deland McCullough. On Friday afternoon running back Devine Redding, owner of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Hoosiers became the third IU running back in as many years to enter the NFL Draft. As the starting running back in 2016 Redding had a solid season in which he ran for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns on 253 carries. Redding was also a capable pass catcher out of the backfield hauling in 27 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. He finishes his career with 2,252 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground.

Redding release a statement on Twitter that reads:

As I look ahead to next year, I have realized two things. The first is that any success I have experienced to date-on or off the field- is shared. It would not have been possible without God; the unconditional love and support of my parents, Desmond Redding and Natalie Fields; and my IU family: the coaches, my teammates, the staff, and amazing Hoosier fans.

Secondly, my life so far has been shaped by my goal of playing in the NFL. After submitting my paperwork to the NFL College Advisory Committee and reviewing its feedback-and after a lot of thought and prayer- I have decided that now is the time for me to pursue that lifelong dream. I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility and will declare for the NFL Draft.

I did not arrive at this decision easily, and I want to reiterate my sincerest thanks to all of the coaches, staff, and teammates who have made reaching this goal possible. Coach Wilson challenged me to be the greatest version of myself. Coach McCullough created a respectful atmosphere where running backs can grow as men and players and reach our goals. I am forever grateful to them both, as well as the training staff, Christa Sist, IU academics, and Coach Allen, who has supported me in this decision.

To my IU family: I could never be who I am , on and off the field, without your willingness to embrace me as a person. It's because of you that I feel I'm genuinely ready for the challenge of the NFL. God bless and Go Hoosiers1

Redding's departure will leave the IU backfield in the hands of Camion Patrick, Devonte Williams, Mike Majette, Ricky Brookins, Tyler Natee, and Alex Rodriguez.