Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
UM star running back Walton declares for 2018 NFL draft
Mark Walton has played his final game for the Miami Hurricanes.
The star running back confirmed via Twitter on Tuesday that he will bypass his senior year and enter the NFL draft.
Walton, who missed most of this season due to an ankle injury, expressed gratitude for his time at the University of Miami.
“I’d like to thank Coach [Mark] Richt, Coach [Thomas] Brown and the entire staff here for believing in my ability and for the opportunity to take part in this outstanding program,” Walton tweeted.
“Not only did they help me become a better football player, but they also helped me to become a better version of myself. To my teammates who have stood by me, thank you for the hard efforts that collectively have made us the success we’ve been this season. Lastly, I’d like to thank the fans for always supporting us through the good times and the bad.”
Walton was injured at Florida State on Oct. 7 dur- ing the Hurricanes’ 24-20 victory that ended a sevengame losing streak to their in-state rival. Subsequent surgery ensured he would not return this season.
Walton totaled 2,006 career rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in his less than three seasons at UM. He also caught 56 passes for 624 yards and two touchdowns.
This season he had 428 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in four games.
Walton was initially hurt in the Miami’s 53-20 win over Toledo on Sept. 23, but returned in that game to post a career-high 204 yards.
“As many of you may have already heard, I have decided to pursue my dream and enter the 2018 NFL draft,” Walton tweeted Tuesday. “I gave everything I have to the University of Miami over the past three years and have learned many life lessons that I will cherish forever.
“I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life, and I hope you all continue to support me on this journey.
In addition to the injury, family considerations undoubtedly figured into the decision to turn pro.
Walton is the father of a 10-month-old daughter, Ma’Lani Nicole. His mother died in March following a stroke. Walton, whose father was murdered when he was 7, had already lost his grandmother and older brother.
Walton was the first of three key offensive players lost to the Hurricanes this season. Standout senior tight end Chris Herndon sustained a season-ending knee injury in the final regular-season game at Pittsburgh. Sophomore wide receiver Ahmmon Richards injured a knee in practice last week.
The absence of the three players was glaring in the lack of production of the Hurricanes offense in the 38-3 loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.
Sophomore Travis Homer took advantage of the opportunity to start after Walton was injured and finished the regular season with 861 yards on 137 carries. He ranked sixth in the ACC with an average of 78.3 yards a game, despite not starting until the fifth game.