LSU star running back Leonard Fournette will declare for the 2017 NFL Draft following the Tigers' bowl game, he announced Monday.
Forever LSU, Forever Buganation pic.twitter.com/sdkN0JaonF
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) December 5, 2016
Fournette said he plans to play in the Citrus Bowl against Louisville, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be healthy enough to do so. Fournette's been hindered by an ankle injury all year, and the ailment kept him from playing in LSU's regular-season finale against Texas A&M.
If he doesn't take the field Dec. 31, the New Orleans native will wrap up his legendary Tigers career with 3,830 yards and 40 touchdowns across three seasons.
He enjoyed a Heisman Trophy-caliber season in 2015, rushing for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns, while missing one game due to injury.
Fournette came to LSU as the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2014, and despite the heavy expectations placed on his shoulders, he didn't disappoint.
Only injuries - and Alabama's defense - have been able to slow Fournette down in college. His rare combination of power and speed has attracted comparisons to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, and there's no reason to believe a healthy Fournette will be anything other than a top-five pick - if not the first overall - come the draft.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound junior has 843 yards and eight touchdowns this year. He's been in and out of LSU's lineup because of the wonky ankle.
