ESPN.com is reporting on Tuesday that Florida State junior running back James Wilder has decided to skip his senior season and make himself available for the 2014 NFL draft.
He had 81 carries for 563 yards and eight touchdowns this season for the Seminoles. He gained 21 yards on three carries against Auburn in the national title game.
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds Wilder is a battering ram of a back with solid speed. However, he has often been hurt in his career and has probably not developed as much as he would have had he been healthy. Still, the NFL will get a talented athlete without a lot of tread on his tires.
Wilder may not be the only FSU running back to leave early for the NFL. Leading rusher Devonta Freeman is expected to make a decision soon.