Wisconsin RB Clay will enter NFL draft

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin running back John Clay will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Clay had 1,012 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns this season, but saw his workload decrease because of injury and the emergence of fellow running backs James White and Montee Ball.

"This is the right decision for me at this time and I'm excited to start a new chapter," Clay said in a statement Friday.

Clay finishes his Badgers career seventh in school history with 3,413 career yards rushing and fifth with 41 career touchdowns.

"There are a lot of people that I would like to thank who have helped me along the way," Clay said. "I'd like to thank the great Wisconsin fans for supporting me throughout my time as a Badger. I'd also like to thank my family for helping me through this process."

Coach Bret Bielema wished Clay the best.

"Since coming to Wisconsin, John has gone above and beyond all of our expectations both on and off the field," Bielema said. "His tremendous production on the field speaks for itself, but we are also proud of him as a teammate and the work he has done in the classroom and off the field. We support his decision and wish him luck."

Badgers defensive end J.J. Watt also declared for the draft this week. The Badgers ended the season 11-2 following a 21-19 loss to TCU.