In December of 2013, Kapri Bibbs, Colorado State’s leading rusher, announced that he was leaving early for the NFL. A little over a year later, the Rams’ running game has taken a similar hit.
In a conversation with the Fort Collins Reporter-Herald, Dee Hart confirmed that he has decided to make himself available for the 2015 NFL draft. Although the running back already has his degree, he still had two years of eligibility remaining before deciding to forego them.
“I’m going to declare for the draft,” Hart told the Reporter-Herald. “It was just a dream I always had growing up, and it’s an opportunity I have this season, so I want to take advantage of it.”
Hart transferred to CSU from Alabama in August of this past year and, because he had already received his degree from UA, was eligible to play immediately. In what turned out to be his lone season at the school, Hart led the Rams in rushing (1,275) and rushing touchdowns (16).
Hart’s route to Fort Collins and the success he found in 2014, however, was a circuitous one filled with far more downs than ups.
In July of 2011, Hart, a five-star recruit rated as the No. 1 all-purpose back in the country, suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss his true freshman season. After rehabbing that injury, Hart tore the ACLin the same knee during an October 2013 win over Ole Miss and, obviously, missed the remainder of the season.
In February of this 2014, Hart was arrested and charged with giving false information and possession of marijuana. It was revealed at that time that Hart hadn’t been a part of the team since shortly after the Tide’s Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma.
“I think Colorado State went out on a limb and took me in a student and a player, it was a risk for them as well,” said Hart. “They didn’t know what I was going to be able to come in and do. I think it worked for both of us this season. It helped me, giving me the confidence back that I could play with the guys I used to play with.”