Leonard Fournette's collegiate career appears to be over.
The LSU running back told reporters Friday that he will miss the team's upcoming bowl game _ Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 31 against Louisville _ as he prepares for the next step in his career: the NFL draft.
Fournette previously announced he was leaving school early and would submit his name to be considered for the upcoming NFL draft.
"This is best for my future," the junior said Friday. "It was a tremendous feeling coming out of that tunnel each and every game.
"This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do _ to sit out and watch my LSU brothers compete against a great Louisville team coming up."
The New Orleans native missed five games this season while dealing with a nagging ankle injury which has limited the Tigers superstar. He finished the season with career lows in rushing attempts (129), rushing yards (843) and rushing touchdowns (eight).
Fournette said he came to the decision after sitting down and speaking with LSU coach Ed Orgeron.
"We are grateful for all the years Leonard gave us, all the great memories and all the great games," added Orgeron. "We know this was a tough decision for him but he has a bright future ahead of himself. The Tiger family wishes him the best. He will always be an LSU Tiger."
A force to be reckoned with when he first burst onto the college football scene, Fournette quickly lived up to those expectations by setting a school freshman rushing record with 1,034 yards.
A quick start to his sophomore season appeared to have him heading towards the Heisman Trophy after rushing for more than 1,000 yards in LSU's first five games of the season, but Fournette's chances faded amid late-season struggles and he would finish a distant sixth in the Heisman voting.
