Pitt's LeSean McCoy to enter the NFL draft

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy, a sophomore who ran for 21 touchdowns this season, announced Wednesday he will enter the 2009 NFL draft.

McCoy rushed for 2,816 yards and 35 touchdowns in two seasons at Pitt, which was 9-4 in 2008.

The rising young star said he was treated "with respect, class and consideration" at the university but after "frequently playing both choices in my mind" -- staying with the team or trying for the NFL -- he decided to pursue a pro career.

"When I signed with Pitt out of prep school, I didn't know what to expect," McCoy said. "I just knew in my heart that God had given me a second chance. As a result of a season-ending injury my senior year, I learned a humbling lesson. Nothing is promised to us and it can all be taken away in a moment."