Cal star RB Best to enter NFL draft

Published Jan. 1, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

California star tailback Jahvid Best will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Best made the announcement Saturday, saying it was not an easy decision. Best missed the final four games of the season after a frightening fall led to a concussion and sore back. He is projected to be a first-round pick.

Best was knocked out when he fell on the back of his head from about 8 feet while leaping into the end zone for a touchdown against Oregon State on Nov. 7.

Best entered the season as one of the most dynamic running backs in the country and a contender for the Heisman Trophy. He finished the season with 16 touchdowns and 867 yards rushing before the injury.