Fournette announces he’s leaving LSU, declaring for NFL draft

BATON ROUGE, LA – OCTOBER 22: Leonard Fournette #7 of the LSU Tigers runs past Zedrick Woods #36 of the Mississippi Rebels for a 76-yard touchdown during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

by: Ed Daniels

Posted: Dec 5, 2016 / 01:25 PM AST

Updated: Dec 5, 2016 / 01:30 PM AST

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Leonard Fournette’s next carry may be in the National Football League.

Fournette announced Monday on Twitter that he will declare for April’s NFL draft.

“I will be declaring for the 2017 NFL draft after our bowl game. I make this announcement now so that there will not be speculation and distractions while we prepare. I want everyone to know that I will forever treasure my experience as a Tiger,” he said.

Fournette was limited to only seven games with a nagging ankle injury. It is unclear if he will play Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl against Louisville.

Fournette rushed for 843 yards this season. Against Ole Miss on October 22nd, Fournette rushed 16 times for a then school record 284 yards and three touchdowns.

Leonard Fournette prepped at St Augustine High School. He was considered the top recruit in America for the class of 2014.

The NFL draft is April 27-29 in Philadelphia.