Stanford running back and Heisman Trophy finalist Toby Gerhart has one year of eligibility remaining, but it’s been a foregone conclusion amongst Cardinal observers that he would make himself available for the 2010 NFL draft.
Gerhart himself had not tipped his hand about which way he was leaning. Until yesterday.
Gerhart, according to the San Jose Mercury News, was being interviewed on Comcast’s Chronicle Live show and the subject of the 40-yard dash came up.
“I’m going to start training here shortly, get ready for the (NFL Draft) Combine.”
Host Greg Papa then asked if that meant Gerhart had decided to enter the draft.
Seemingly flustered -- like he realized he said something he shouldn’t have -- Gerhart stumbled for a second ... then talked briefly about making a decision after the Sun Bowl ... then added:
“But it’s looking like that’s the way it’s going to go.”
The 6-1, 235-pound back has already submitted his paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisory Board, and is expected to project to go somewhere around the second or third round.
If that’s the official projection he receives from the draft board, most expect he will forego his final season at Stanford and enter the 2010 draft as his stock will likely never be any higher than what it is right now.