NC State running back Nyheim Hines declares for NFL Draft

In somewhat surprising news, NC State running back Nyheim Hines has decided to skip his senior season and head to the NFL. Hines announced the decision via GoPack.com on Friday afternoon. Here’s his statement:

“I would like to thank the coaches for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at my dream school. I appreciate everybody at NC State who has helped me along the way. Last, but not least, I want to thank Wolfpack Nation for always supporting me - even in high school - to help make my dream come true. NC State will always be a part of me wherever I am in life, and I will always be drawn back here.”

I think it’s important to step back from the narrow draft stock discussion in these situations and look at the greater context of football. Football hurts to play, for instance. Running back in a grind, and you get hit every which way almost every time you carry the football. Hines has certainly battled his share of injuries during his time at NC State.

So while he might have been able to secure better draft position with another year in college, maybe he feels it ain’t worth the tread on the tires. That’s a pretty wise decision. We all would have loved to see him back for one more year, but getting knocked around while getting paid is a lot better than getting knocked around while getting paid nothing.

Here’s hoping Nyheim kills it at the combine.