Arkansas RBs McFadden and Jones NFL-bound

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

January 15, 2008

Arkansas will be left with a big hole in the backfield next season with Jones and McFadden's departure.

Arkansas' running duo Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have both decided to forgo their senior season to declare for the NFL draft.

Both rushers formally announced their decision to turn pro in a joint press conference held Monday.

"When I was growing up, I dreamed of playing for the Razorbacks," McFadden said. "Now, the time has come for me to pursue another dream of mine -- playing in the NFL."

McFadden, a projected first round pick within the top 5, has played 30 games in three seasons for the Razorbacks, recording 785 carries for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. The versatile tailback, who also had 46 catches for 365 yards and two touchdowns, holds the school records for single-season and career rushing yards.

The North Little Rock, Arkansas native, a three-time All-American, finished his senior season rushing for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns while claiming back-to-back Doak Walker Awards as the nation's top running back.

McFadden's rushing partner Jones has also had a brilliant season for the Hogs, rushing for 1,830 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior while leading the nation in average yards per carry with 8.7. The Tulsa native, who is also a projected first-round pick, has eclipsed the 1,000-rush yard mark in the past two seasons in a complementary role to the team's all-time leading rusher.

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