This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Robert Turbin is ready to take the next step in his football career.
Utah State's star running back, and the Western Athletic Conference offensive player of the year, on Friday night announced on Twitter that he is forgoing his final season of eligibility and entering the NFL Draft.
An official announcement from USU is expected on Monday.
"After going back and forth with my decision, I've decided that it's best for me and my family to take the next step and go pro," Turbin said in his Twitter message.
"I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way and who has supported me," Turbin continued. "Utah State will continue to grow, and hopefully I've left something the new guys can improve on when they go in and get their opportunity."
With 1,517 yards rushing, 19 rushing touchdowns and four more touchdowns through the air, Turbin established himself this year as one of the best running backs in the western United States. He proved that he can be a feature back. He proved that he could be durable and he proved adept at things other than running the football, like catching the ball out of the backfield and pass protection He has 40 career rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the most in school history.
Turbin, 22, missed the 2010 season with a torn ACL, and with the shelf life of a running back among the shortest of the NFL positions, Turbin's years as a professional may be more limited than if he were playing at another spot on the field.
As one of the best players in the WAC, Turbin led Utah State to a seven-win season, its first bowl appearance since 1997 and a second-place conference finish.
He told the media last week that he'd submitted papers for NFL Draft stock evaluation. According to USU coach Gary Andersen, Turbin's evaluation hasn't come back as of yet. Andersen, earlier in the season, did say that he expected that Turbin could be drafted as high as the second or third round in the upcoming draft.
Turbin has been at Utah State since the 2007 season. He is one of the few holdovers remaining, along with Bobby Wagner and Quinn Garner among others, from the Brent Guy era.