Miami's Duke Johnson will skip senior season, turn pro

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami running back Duke Johnson is skipping his senior season of eligibility and entering the NFL draft.

The long-expected decision was announced Sunday.

Johnson rushed for 1,652 yards this season and finished his Miami career with 3,519 yards in 33 games. He leaves the Hurricanes having set or tied at least 11 significant school records, including many as a kick returner — despite not playing on special teams this season.

Miami players and coaches had known the decision was coming for several weeks, with quarterback Brad Kaaya notably describing Johnson as "a last-year guy" back on Nov. 24.

No one corrected Kaaya at the time, with good reason. Johnson's time to try the pro game has clearly come.