Daily Staff Writer

Troy Davis, by all accounts the most talked-about Iowa State football player ever, has left the university and is awaiting the April National Football League draft at his Florida home.

Davis announced his decision to forego his senior season for the NFL the Thursday of Finals Week last semester. He is projected as a late first-round or a second-round pick.

Davis, a junior in sociology from Miami, was runner-up to Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel for the Heisman Trophy in December. He is ISU’s all-time leading rusher with 4,382 career yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons as a Cyclone.

This past season, Davis rushed for 2,185 yards, topping his school-record 2,010 yards in 1995. Davis also owns ISU’s top three rushing performances in a single game: 378 yards against Missouri in 1996, 302 yards against UNLV in 1995 and 291 yards against Ohio, also in 1995.

Davis was the first major-college back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season and not win the Heisman. He is the only back in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

Coach Dan McCarney said though he would have liked to see Davis in the Iowa State backfield next season, he “respects” Davis’ decision. “Troy’s performance the past two seasons, which helped us lay the foundation for a strong football program, is unique in collegiate football history,” he said.

“I have decided, after thinking about it since the end of the season, to forego my final year of collegiate eligibility to make myself available for the NFL draft. It was a very difficult decision, but I feel it is in the best interest of my family.

“The great relationship I have with Coach McCarney made this a tougher decision. He is turning around the Iowa State football program and I will miss being a part of that turnaround. I will miss Coach McCarney, Coach [Steve] Loney and Coach [Kirby] Wilson.

“Everyone at Iowa State has worked for what was in my best interest, academically and athletically. I want to thank my teammates and the whole Iowa State community. They have made my experience in Ames one to cherish the rest of my life. Our fans have been great to us. That’s why I’ll be back to watch Darren at ISU next season, and I’m excited about seeing him get his chance in the Cyclone backfield. I’ll be back to Iowa State to earn my degree. That is a promise.”

Statement from Troy Davis on leaving ISU for the NFL: