Duke Johnson Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

The most productive running back in Miami history is headed to the NFL a year early. 

Duke Johnson, who now leads the Hurricanes in career rushing yards and yards from scrimmage, has announced his decision to declare for the 2015 NFL draft, the school announced: 

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I think looking at the list and the guys I’ve passed is an accomplishment in and of itself. I’m very grateful to have [had] an opportunity to return kicks, catch the ball out of the backfield and run the ball where I can get up above all these great UM players who came before me.

The biggest thing with me is leaving something with my young guys, leaving something with my running backs – Joseph Yearby, Gus Edwards, Trayone Gray and Walter Tucker - to where they can see what it takes and what needs to be done to be great.

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The announcement was a mere formality after Johnson's mother revealed to the Palm Beach Post's Matt Porter that her son was forgoing his senior season.

Johnson has flown slightly under the national radar with so many other running backs enjoying standout years, but ACC defenses will surely be glad to see him go. In 13 games, the junior racked up 2,073 yards from scrimmage (1,652 rushing, 421 receiving) and 13 total touchdowns. He finishes his career with 5,523 all-purpose yards (3,519 rushing yards), a ridiculous 6.7 yards per carry and 33 total scores (26 rushing).

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Johnson was the third Miami running back to have 14 games with at least 100 yards on the ground:

He has garnered some hyperbolic praise for his unstoppable efforts. 

"He kind of reminds me of Walter Payton, where he can stop and go sideways," Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville said in October, via NFL.com's Chase Goodbread. "One of those Barry Sanders-type of guys that can accelerate, hit a hole fast and change directions."   

That's a lofty comparison for the 21-year-old, but there's no question he bares a similar skill set to the pair of Hall of Famers. 

Possessing an extra gear once he hits the second level, Johnson is a threat to to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. More than just a home-run hitter, though, he has the vision, explosiveness and power that could be deadly in a zone-blocking scheme. 

Bleacher Report's NFL draft expert Matt Miller made the comparison to Jamaal Charles:

While a first-round selection is probably out of the question—as it is for most running backs these days—Johnson has the talent to hear his name called early on the second day. 

Whether or not that happens, he's going to enter the NFL with something to prove, via the Sun Sentinel's Christy Cabrera Chirinos:

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I always play with a chip on my shoulder whether they project me first round or the last round. If I do decide to come out, my work ethic, the way I play will show it all. I just work hard. I can’t really complain about where they project me or how they feel I will go. I’m just going to do my part and that’s working hard and playing football.

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Johnson may not be a 25-carry workhorse at the next level, but he's someone a team will be able to use in a variety of ways. He can run the ball, he's a natural pass-catcher with good route-running skills (38 receptions as a junior) and he showed a dynamic ability as a returner his freshman year. 

That versatility, coupled with an explosive skill set, will help him make an immediate impact in the NFL.