University of Texas (UT) Longhorns junior running back (RB) Bijan Robinson has declared for the 2023 National Football League (NFL) Draft, Austin-based media outlets reported.
Robinson, an Arizona native, also announced that he won’t play in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on Thursday, Dec. 29.
“The first thing I want to say is thank you,” he said in a farewell video he shared on Twitter on Monday. “These past three years [have] been a journey … It’s been nothing but a blessing.”
According to Austin ABC affiliate KVUE, the 6-foot, 220-pound Robinson will start training for the draft in Austin the day after New Year’s Day.
The station reported that the rusher said he still wants to make an impression on his soon-to-be former collegiate program while he prepares for the draft.
Robinson’s 2022 campaign saw him become the lone Longhorn to amass more than 1,500 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards in a season, Austin Journal reported.
Per Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, he occupies fourth place on UT’s all-time rushing yards list with 3,410 yards on the ground, for which he earned the 2022 Doak Walker Award that’s presented to the nation’s best RB.
To hear Robinson tell it, he wouldn’t trade his time in the burnt orange for anything.
“It’s been a fun ride here,” the speedster said, KXAN reported. “I’ve done everything that I’ve tried to do and God’s plan for me while I’ve been here.”
The UT football team’s Twitter account paid tribute to Robinson following his announcement.
“Truly one of a kind,” the program tweeted. “Always a Longhorn.”
ESPN reported that Robinson is listed the top RB in the spring draft and could possibly go to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 5 in the first round.