Quizz declares for NFL Draft

IN SOMETHING OF a surprise, Oregon State junior tailback Jacquizz Rodgers announced Monday that he will enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jacquizz Rodgers has until 72 hours after the NFL’s January 15 declaration deadline to withdraw his name, though it sounded on Monday like he was pretty well determined to enter the draft. An ethnic studies major, Rodgers intends to return to Oregon State to finish his degree.

The 2011 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 28-30 and will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network.

“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision,” Rodgers said. “I want to thank all of Beaver Nation for their support throughout my time here at Oregon State. Without all of that support I wouldn’t be in this position.”

Rodgers is one of only three running backs in Pac-10 history to thrice earn first team All-Pac-10 honors. He is sixth in conference history in rushing.

His name is peppered throughout the Oregon State record book. He finishes his career at Oregon State as the school’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,877 yards, which also ranks sixth in Pac-10 Conference history. He is second with 46 rushing touchdowns and is tied for second with 19 games with 100-plus yards rushing. Rodgers is also the career leader in receptions by a running back with 151 and is third with 306 points scored in his career.

“We all at Oregon State wish Quizz the greatest success and look forward to watching his career continue in the NFL,” head coach Mike Riley said from the American Football Coaches Association convention in Dallas, Texas. “He has certainly impacted both the football team and our lives at Oregon State. He has set a tremendous example as an Oregon State football player.”