C.J. Prosise Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Notre Dame running back C.J. Prosise announced he will leave Notre Dame and enter the 2016 NFL draft. 

Prosise revealed his intentions in an Instagram post on Saturday:

"

After a lot of thought and reflection I have decided to forego my remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. Thank you to Notre Dame, the coaches, staff, faculty and fans. I couldn't have asked for a better university to play for, it's been an honor to have played with Team 127 and I'm glad to have had the opportunity. I look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you, Go Irish!!!

"

Prosise is striking while the iron is hot. The senior—who had one year of eligibility left—had a breakout campaign in 2015 with 1,029 rushing yards after taking over as the primary running back for the injured Tarean Folston.

Tim Murray of ESPN 980 in Washington D.C. speculated that Prosise's decision to enter the NFL draft may have to do with the running back depth Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly has accrued:

In addition to his rushing prowess, Prosise brings a pass-catching dynamic with him to the NFL as a converted wide receiver. He led Notre Dame with 17.8 yards per reception in 2014 and had 308 receiving yards in 2015. 

Prior to the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, per Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated, Prosise said he had "received his NFL draft evaluation" and that "it was what he expected," even though he declined to say anything definitive about his future at the time. 

Now that Prosise's decision has been made, his draft prospects will become clearer. ESPN.com's Mel Kiper has him ranked as the No. 3 draft-eligible running back, behind Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott and Alabama's Derrick Henry. 

Given his rising stock and Notre Dame's wealth of running back talent, Prosise made a wise decision to move on.