The Daily Oklahoman newspaper reported Thursday, Jan.10, 2012 that Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle will enter the NFL draft and not return for his senior season for the Cowboys.
Randle was an All Big 12 selection after leading the league in rushing. The Cowboys are expected to be very good next year. While Randle will be missed, the Cowboys have other good running backs to plug in.
Oklahoma State is predicted to challenge for the Big 12 title next year, and possibly even the national championship. Losing Randle should not change expectations too much.
He tweeted early this morning that he had made his decision to not return.
Randle rushed for 1,417 yards and 14 touchdowns in the just-completed season. He also caught 28 passes for 224 yards. He completed two of two passes thrown for 37 yards.
As a sophomore he rushed for 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns.
NFL experts say Randle should be a third or fourth round pick, and he is regarded as one of the top five running backs available in the draft.
Jeremy Smith will likely be Randle's replacement in the starting lineup for OSU. He was hobbled by an injury this year, but has rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in two seasons.
Desmond Roland and Caleb Muncrief are the next two running backs for the team, and both have shown ability at times. The Cowboys also have a couple of signees at running back who may compete for playing time.
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