Oregon running back CJ Verdell opts to remain in NFL Draft
CJ Verdell’s Oregon career has come to a close.
On Monday, the Ducks’ junior running back announced that he has decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and remain in the NFL Draft and will not be returning to Oregon.
Verdell ends his career as the Ducks’ No. 6 all-time leading rusher at 2,929 yards. He also ranks No. 7 in program history with 27 rushing touchdowns.
Verdell began the 2021 season as Oregon’s starting running back and launched himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation after a stellar performance at Ohio State.
But he suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 5 at Stanford, where he ultimately played his last game as a Duck.
With Verdell officially leaving Eugene, the Ducks have three scholarship running backs remaining with Byron Cardwell, Seven McGee, and Sean Dollars all set to return.
Dollars and McGee both entered the transfer portal earlier this year before ultimately opting to remain at Oregon.
Travis Dye has transferred to USC. Trey Benson has transferred to Florida State.
On Sunday, former Colorado running back Jarek Broussard, the 2020 Pac-12 offensive player of the year, made an official visit to Oregon.
