LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Skip Senior Season and Enter NFL Draft

LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire became a national champion on Monday and helped his team by rushing for 110 yards and hauling in 54 receiving yards. He was dealing with an injury for the past month and showed up in a big way against Clemson.

Edwards-Helaire could have returned for another season at LSU, but has made the decision to join his quarterback by entering the 2020 NFL Draft. He announced the decision in a long message thanking so many people.

Proverbs 1:7 ?? pic.twitter.com/D2F7U1gSSP
— 22 (@Clydro_22) January 16, 2020

From his parents to his coaches to the videos crews, Edwards-Helaire did not miss anyone in his thank you message.

The 20-year-old had his breakout season in 2019. He rushed for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns. So while Joe Burrow's numbers were indeed impressive, he was helped by the fact defenses had to prepare for a strong rushing attack as well.

#LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire is leaving early, as expected, for the 2020 NFL Draft. Fantastic all-around back. Smart. Really strong and usually makes the first guy miss. The great Kevin Faulk told me a few weeks back he thinks Clyde has some Barry Sanders in him.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 16, 2020

He must have felt that he has nothing left to prove in college. It is hard to blame any player who leaves early for the NFL if the expectation is they are set to make millions upon being drafted.

Edwards-Helaire leaves LSU as a champion and will go down as a key piece on one of the best teams in college football history.