UCLA junior running back Maurice Drew announced Saturday that he
will be entering his name in this year’s NFL Draft.
Drew, who will forgo his senior season, made the decision in
large part because his grandfather Maurice Jones wanted Drew to
turn pro if given the opportunity.
Jones, a mentor of Drew, suffered a heart attack while watching
his grandson play against Rice at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 10. Before
he passed away, Jones had one request. Drew found that out.
“I didn’t even know “˜til after the USC game; I
was still debating on staying,” said Drew, who added Jones on
to the back of his jersey in commemoration of his grandfather
earlier this season. “But my grandma told me my grandpa had
wanted me to go (to the NFL).
“My reason to stay (this season) was for the team and the
coaches, but (entering the draft) was my grandpa’s
decision.”
The 20-year-old Drew said he would begin looking for agents
beginning Sunday and that he is expected to be a first-day pick.
When asked what he thinks his role would be in the NFL, Drew said
he believes he can be a first and second down back.
“If you can make plays it doesn’t matter how big you
are,” said Drew, at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds. “Even if I
(went) this year or next year, it wouldn’t matter.”
Drew, who led UCLA in rushing yards the last three seasons, was
a key component in helping the Bruins capture their first 10-game
winning season since 1998 and only the seventh in the 87-year
history of the program. Last season, he rushed for 916 yards and
scored 20 touchdowns, including three on punt returns which set an
NCAA record with a 28.5 yards-per-return average. Drew also amassed
a school-record 4,655 all-purpose yards over his three-year
career.
In a statement, UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said he wishes Drew well
as he goes on to the NFL.
“Maurice has made the decision that he feels is best for
himself and his family,” Dorrell said. “While I would
counsel players to enjoy the college experience and earn a degree,
I am supportive of his decision to move onto the next stage of his
life.
“Maurice is a great young man and he has been a joy for
the last three years. He has been a key component in the rebuilding
of this program. He was a major contributor to our success this
season and we thank him for his contributions both on and off the
field. He will always be a Bruin.”
As for next season’s running attack, junior Chris Markey
and sophomore Kahlil Bell will be expected to fill Drew’s
shoes. In the Sun Bowl win over Northwestern, Markey ran for 161
yards and Bell totaled 136 yards and two touchdowns. Both were
named co-MVPs of the Sun Bowl. Markey and Bell rushed for a
combined 871 yards and six touchdowns this past season.
“We will miss Maurice, but we have Markey, Bell and
(redshirt junior) Derrick Williams in the program,” Dorrell
said. “Chris and Kahlil showed what they are capable of
during the Sun Bowl.”