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The Wyoming Cowboys are losing arguably their best running back ever to the NFL as junior Brian Hill has declared his intentions to give up his final year of eligibility and put his name in the NFL Draft.
“This has, without a doubt, been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. After much consideration, thought and prayer with my family, I have decided to forego my senior year and to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL,“ said Hill in a statement via Brandon Foster of PokesAuthority.com.
"This had been a dream of mine for a while now, and through hard work and dedication that dream finally has a chance to become a reality.
"Coach (Craig) Bohl, Coach (Mike) Bath and the rest of the coaching staff for believing in me; and my teammates who are all my brothers for life — I couldn’t have chosen a better family. Last but not least, I would like to thank the University of Wyoming and our amazing fans. I will always be a Cowboys."
Hll burst onto the scene late in his true freshman year and in his first stat had 121 yards and in his second start he set a Mountain West all-purpose record with 387 yards with 281 rushing yards and 106 in the passing game.
His career ends with holding nearly every rushing record. His 4,287 career rushing yards are a school record as are his 1,860 yards in the 2016 season, breaking his own single-season record of 1,631 yards that he set in 2015.
Hill rushed for 35 career touchdowns, breaking the Wyoming record of 34 rushing touchdowns set by former Cowboy Eddie Talboom -- a record that had stood since 1950.
“We appreciate Brian’s efforts and his many contributions to our football program these past three seasons," said head coach Craig Bohl. "He helped us move Wyoming Football in a positive direction over his three-year career, including helping us compete for a Mountain West Conference Championship this past season. Along the way he accomplished many great things as a Cowboy. We wish Brian all the best as he moves forward with his career.”
With Hill declaring early he is not currently ranked, but Bleacher Report's Matt Miller — back in late November — listed Hill as a player to watch, and saying the former Wyoming back could be a mid-round pick.