[WVU83]

West Virginia junior running back Steve Slaton said Sunday he will enter the NFL draft.

Steve Slaton

Slaton

"I just told my coaches," an emotional Slaton said. "This is hard for me. But my coaches that knew me best have left. And now it's time for me to leave."

Slaton said he was projected by the NFL advisory committee as a second-round pick.

"Some guys think I'm a step slow," Slaton said. "So I have to show at the combine that I'm not."

Slaton said he wasn't able to consult with former West Virginia and current Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez on the decision, but did speak with his former position coach, Calvin Magee.

"It's a good decision for me now because I'm a versatile back," Slaton said. "As versatile as any back. I can play running back, wide receiver, kick returner. This was hard for me but it's my time now to go."

After setting West Virginia's school record with 1,733 yards rushing last season, Slaton ran for 1,051 yards this season to surpass 1,000 yards for the third straight time. He matched his career-high with 17 touchdowns in 2007.

Joe Schad covers college football for ESPN.