Jan. 03--C.J. Prosise went down with a high ankle sprain and was out of the Notre Dame lineup after the Boston College game Nov. 21.
On Saturday, the junior running back announced via Instagram that he was out of the Irish program. The Virginia native said he will skip his senior season and apply for early entry into the NFL draft.
"After a lot of thought and reflection, I have decided to forego my remaining eligibility ..." Prosise wrote. "I look forward to what lies ahead."
He thanked Notre Dame coaches, his teammates and fans and wrote "it's been an honor to have played with Team 127 and I'm glad to have had the opportunity."
Prosise, in his first year as a running back after playing receiver and defensive back, played but one play Friday during the Irish's 44-28 loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl after missing the regular-season finale against Stanford.
A concussion caused him to miss another game and he dealt with other nagging injuries late in the season, which he finished with 1,032 yards and 11 touchdowns on 156 carries. He also caught 26 passes for 308 yards and a score.
Prosise declined to share the feedback he received from the NFL Draft Advisory Board but said last week it was what he expected. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder is projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
He was one of five Irish players to request feedback from the board.
Junior All-America linebacker Jaylon Smith, who suffered a "significant knee injury" during the Fiesta Bowl, according to coach Brian Kelly, has yet to announce his decision. He had been projected to be a top-10 pick, but should he declare, he could slip depending on the severity of the injury to his left knee.
Receiver Will Fuller also has yet to announce a decision.
All-America offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley, a senior with another year of eligibility, already has said he's going to the NFL.
pskrbina@tribpub.com
