Texas junior running back [tag]Jamaal Charles[/tag] announced today he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
This isn’t surprising news but it is definitely disappointing. I was looking for a huge season out of Jamaal next year and thought he might break out as a Heisman contender. It looked like he (and just as importantly Greg Davis) had finally figured things out late in the season and he was really tearing it up. Charles finished with 897 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Longhorns’ final five games.
In just three seasons, including two in which he split time with Selvin Young, Charles was able to climb into the top 5 all time in both career rushing and career TDs. His big play ability will be sorely missed next season.
From his official statement:
“I can’t thank Coach Brown, Coach Rucker, everyone at UT and all of the fans enough,” Charles said. “They gave me a great opportunity and supported me so much. UT is a wonderful place and everyone has been so good to me. But playing in the NFL has always been my dream and when the NFL report came back I was happy with the grade and felt like it was best for me to enter the draft.”
“I had fun playing with a lot of great players and winning a bunch of games. I have so many friends at UT and everyone is close, like a family, so it’s really hard to leave. But, after finishing the season strong, I think I’m ready. I’ve worked really hard and the coaches have done a great job preparing me. I had a lot of success this year but I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything if it wasn’t for the great job the offensive line and all of the coaches did. We got better every game and it showed in how we played so I can’t thank them, especially my O-line, enough.”
“Now, it’s my job to get ready for all of the NFL workouts and make everyone proud. I may be going to the NFL but I’ll always be a Longhorn. I’m definitely going to continue working towards my degree. Finishing school is really important to me because I want to have a good life after football.”
Charles’ draft prospects probably couldn’t get much higher than they are now. The NFL Draft is all about potential and forty times and Jamaal is off the charts in both those categories. After Arkansas‘ Darren McFadden this isn’t a particularly deep draft for running backs and in my opinion Charles is easily one of the top five guys available. Depending on team needs and what other underclassmen declare I can’t see him falling further than the middle of the second round.
Looking forward to next year for the Horns, young Vondrell McGee will have to grow up fast. He showed potential this year in limited time but he’s going to be expected to carry the load next year and we haven’t seen enough yet to know if he can do it. Maybe the newly wide open running back depth chart will entice 5-star Darrell Scott to come to Austin and show his stuff?
What round will Jamaal Charles be drafted?
- Second (48%)
- Third (23%)
- First (21%)
- Fourth or later (8%)
Total Votes: 291
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reply to #1
Josh
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:28 am
i knew it was to good to be true about him coming back. can’t blame him though, it is a pretty weak draft at running back, and he is arguably the fastest guy in the nation. i know mcgee will have to carry the load, but he does have good speed and with being built stocky and low to the ground, i think he will be good. the good thing is, when it comes to ut i never worry about the running back position.
reply to #2
Game Ball Award
January 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Good bye Jamaal Charles. Your 1 good run in 30 attempts will be missed. And your fumbling. And your ability to only play well in the 4th qtr. And your stupid decision to keep your body at track weight the first 2 years. And your overall lack of durability.
reply to #3
Brian
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Sorry man, that comment is way off base. Charles is a heck of a back who played his ass off for the University of Texas. His big play ability will sorely missed.
reply to #4
Game Ball Award
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Its mainly my anger talking Brian. But I feel a lot better now having just watched the Fiesta bowl.
reply to #5
chris
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Where are all the A&M and OU commentors? A&M should consider dropping their football program all togather. Nice BCS Bowl record Oklahoma…0 and freak’n 4, HAHAHAHA
reply to #6
mikem
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
This is a huge loss for the Horns as their top playmaker leaves early. Good news, is “this is Texas” where we reload and new stars come to the front every year. Think how you felt after Cedric left, Ricky left, etc. We will reload and a new star will shine….it always does.
reply to #7
Disappointed
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I feel like he owes it to the Texas fans because he cost us the OU game. I am VERY disappointed that he is leaving. I am still upset Vince, Durant, Aldridge and Street left early. Where is the loyalty?
reply to #8
Game Ball Award
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I feel you Disappointed.
reply to #9
Devon
January 4th, 2008 at 12:45 am
I knew Jamaal before he even became big at Texas and trust me he knows what he is doing. Don’t worry about Texas as a team because they still have amazing talent and more will be coming soon. Jamaal is confident he can make it on the next level and if you are a Horns fan you should be too. The man has done some amazing things, everyone has bad times in their career. I look for him to go late 1st or earl 2nd to a decent team with a bad running back and hopefully he can gain some weight and more muscles during the off season. I just hope he doesn’t get banged up too early. Seriously I think he can offer alot to any team he goes to. GOOD LUCK JAMAAL !
reply to #10
Hook'Em Horns
January 8th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Yea, but despite him leaving, we will get that 5 star running back. Either us or LSU.
reply to #11
Graham
January 27th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I can’t belive you are going pro.
And what team do you think you will be drafted on?
If I had taken a guess it would be tampa bay.
They need you man!
reply to #12
cody
March 11th, 2008 at 8:19 am
jamaal you are one of the best people in the college football but why are you going in the NFL all of the people who look up to you about coming back you just let them down i hope you do go in the NFL