Elijah Hood

ANALYSIS
After initially announcing that he would return for his senior season, Hood opted to change his decision and enter the draft prior to the deadline. "This was a difficult decision, but after gathering more information and talking with my family, I believe it is in my best interest to declare for the NFL Draft," said Hood on Friday. As a running back, this is a prudent move for Hood given the average shelf life of NFL runners. He had a slight regression in production in 2016, rushing for 858 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games after torching opposing defenses for 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore. Hood (6-0, 220) has the frame of an NFL back and his strong per-carry production at the college level should translate into him becoming an effective runner at the next level. He figures to be a late selection on Day 2 or an early selection on Day 3 provided that he turns in a strong combine to go with his impressive game film.