Rodney Anderson to Enter NFL Draft

NORMAN ? University of Oklahoma redshirt junior running back Rodney Anderson, who sustained a season-ending knee injury against UCLA on Sept. 8, announced his plan Thursday to forgo his redshirt senior campaign and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. He made the announcement via social media.

"During my recruiting visit to Oklahoma," Anderson began in his post, "I immediately sensed the strong family atmosphere and knew that this was where I wanted to attend school and play college football.

"I thoroughly enjoyed these past four years in Norman and am proud to have worn the crimson and cream. The bonds I formed with my teammates, coaches and friends are special to me and being selected captain this season has truly been an honor. With my degree already in hand and after much discussion with my family, I have chosen to set my sights on the NFL and focus on preparing for the 2019 NFL Draft. This was not an easy decision, but I believe I am ready for this next step."

Anderson, who is from Katy, Texas, was a 2018 preseason All-Big 12 selection after starting seven of 14 games in his first full season of action last year and finishing with team highs of 1,161 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He was also impactful as a receiver, registering 17 catches for 281 yards (16.5 per reception) and another five scores.

The majority of Anderson's 2017 production came the last half of the season. Starting with OU's Oct. 21 game at Kansas State, he led all Power Five players the rest of the year (eight games) with 1,333 yards from scrimmage (166.6 average) and 16 total TDs.

Anderson's debut season of 2015 was cut short when he sustained a season-ending broken leg in the second game of the year at Tennessee. Then during 2016 preseason camp, a fractured vertebra again sidelined him for the season.

In this year's opening game against Florida Atlantic, Anderson carried five times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He added 19 yards and another touchdown in OU's second game against UCLA before leaving the contest.

Anderson received his undergraduate degree in May and has been pursuing a master's degree in human relations.

"I look forward to supporting and cheering on the Sooners from the sidelines and will always remain an Oklahoma Sooner at heart," said Anderson at the end of his social media post.

The NFL Draft will be held April 25-27 in Nashville, Tenn. OU is one of two programs to have at least four players drafted each of the last 11 seasons.

Players Mentioned

Rodney Anderson

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University of Oklahoma Athletics