Miami running back Duke Johnson speaks during an NCAA college football press conference, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Johnson announced Sunday he is skipping his senior season and entering next year's NFL draft.Carl Juste/The Associated Press
Duke Johnson remained committed to Miami even as an NCAA investigation loomed as a threat to the program, made an immediate splash in his Hurricane debut and spent three seasons rewriting the school's record book.
All that remains on his collegiate to-do list is a degree, and that'll get done – eventually.
Making official the decision that had been expected for months, Johnson announced Sunday he is skipping his senior season and entering next year's NFL draft after a career in which he broke or tied at least 11 major Miami records.
"The value for running backs isn't that high," said Johnson, a 5-foot-9 running back who finished with 1,652 yards this season. "I think it's best to get out when I can."
There was a significance to the date of Johnson's announcement – it was his mother's birthday. Johnson often says he plays football with the hopes of being able to one day provide for Cassandra Prophet-Mitchell and his family, and now those days are closer than ever. Some draft experts say Johnson could be a second-round selection.
"As a kid, I always wanted to come here," Johnson said. "I loved it. I didn't want to leave it."
Johnson rushed for 135 yards in his first college game and was an immediate star, finishing his Miami career with 3,519 yards in 33 outings. He leaves the Hurricanes as the school's career record holder in rushing yards, yards per carry and all-purpose yards, as well as Miami's leader in kick returns for a game, a season and a career.
"Looking at the list and the guys I've passed is an accomplishment in and of itself," Johnson said.
The Hurricanes were 20-13 in games when Johnson played, and he fell short of one significant goal – bringing Miami back to some sort of championship level.