Notre Dame RB Cierre Wood to enter the 2013 NFL Draft

notredamegamedayr | January 14, 2013 at 6:03 pm | 0 Comments

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cierre Wood (20) runs the ball as Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive end Hassan Hazime (96) attempts to tackle in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. (Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports)

Notre Dame’s second-leading rusher, Cierre Wood, has made the decision to forgo his final year of eligibility and will enter the 2013 NFL Draft, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.

“Having to make a decision like whether to stay in school or leave to pursue a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL is never simple,” Wood said in a statement released by Notre Dame. “I had to weigh many factors over the last month, but ultimately it came down to what I felt was the right decision that would most benefit my family.”

Despite a relatively lacking passing game and splitting carries with teammate Theo Riddick, Wood still managed a robust 6.51 yards per carry. On the year, he took 114 rushing attempts for 742 yards and four scores. The 6-foot, 215-pound native of Oxnard, California has rushed for a total of 2,447 yards and 16 touchdowns during his proud Irish career.

ESPN Scouts Inc. has rated Wood as the No. 16 running back in the 2013 Draft. However, Wood said he is hoping to improve on his predicted third-round selection during the offseason workout, combine and Pro Day processes.

Further, Wood has a 1-year old daughter, and when he spoke of family, his baby girl was largely what he meant.

His coach, Brian Kelly, understands the type of person Wood is, and what he brings to the table in terms of what NFL teams are looking for.

“Cierre has been an important member of our football team in my three years at Notre Dame and I appreciate all he did to help get our program back on top,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said in the news release. “I wish him well in the future and hope he has a successful playing career at the next level.”

The entirety of Fighting Irish Nation wishes Wood the same success, and we are all looking forward to seeing this tough, agile runner suit up in an NFL uniform.