MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Big 12 rushing champion Wendell Smallwood, riding the momentum from the fourth 1,500-yard season in West Virginia history, reversed course Wednesday night and announced he would enter the NFL draft.
On Nov. 23, with the Mountaineers still two games from the regular-season finish line, Smallwood told MetroNews, “I know I’m going to be here for next season with these guys.”
After more contemplation, and armed with a favorable NFL Draft Advisory Panel grade, the 21-year-old Smallwood said the time was right to make the jump.
Smallwood’s final college carry late Saturday night—a 24-yard outside zone run to convert a third-and-22 against Arizona State in the Cactus Bowl—set up the go-ahead touchdown in a 43-42 win.