Wisconsin's Hill to enter NFL draft

Big Ten Blog

January, 8, 2009

Jan 8

11:40

AM ET

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By Adam Rittenberg

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting.

A three-year starter for the Badgers, Hill racked up 3,942 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns. He won Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2006 and had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons despite battling injuries for much of his career.

Team spokesman Brian Lucas said head coach Bret Bielema is on the road recruiting and hopes to get in touch with Hill Thursday. Wisconsin students are currently on winter break.

Hill's decision is somewhat surprising, but given the short life of running backs in the NFL, it makes some sense. Hill has taken a pounding during his career and dealt with several ailments, so a jump could be beneficial.

His departure clears the way for redshirt freshman John Clay to become Wisconsin's featured back in 2009. Clay shared carries with Hill this fall and had 884 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Hill becomes the second Big Ten running back to enter the draft early, joining Iowa's Shonn Greene. Ohio State junior Chris "Beanie" Wells has yet to decide whether he'll turn pro.

Tags:

Wisconsin Badgers, Wisconsin Badgers, Shonn Greene, Chris Wells, Bret Bielema, P.J. Hill, John Clay

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