Utah RB Devontae Booker returning in 2015
Utah RB Devontae Booker is not joining the monster list of early-entry running backs into the 2015 NFL draft.
Booker announced Wednesday that he's staying in school for his senior season.
"Over the break, I had the decision of a lifetime to make about whether to go the NFL or stay in school," Booker said in a statement. "I talked to my family, friends and coaches on the decision, and I’ve decided to stay at the University of Utah for my senior season."
He had 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014 and was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection. He ran for over 100 yards in five straight games at one point during the season, including a 229-yard, three-touchdown performance in double overtime against Oregon State.
He had 26 carries for 162 yards and a touchdown against Colorado State in Utah's blowout win in the Las Vegas Bowl.
While a running back staying in school can be a risky proposition, it seems the best bet for Booker given the other running backs who have declared for the draft. 13 running backs have announced their eligibility for the draft, including Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon, Georgia's Todd Gurley, Indiana's Tevin Coleman, Boise State's Jay Ajayi, Alabama's T.J. Yeldon and Miami's Duke Johnson.
Booker would likely not be picked before many, if any of the names listed above. With another strong season he can boost his stock even further and potentially be one of the top backs off the board in 2016.
For more Utah news, visit UteZone.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
