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Going pro (Merged Multiple Threads)

TA goes pro

http://www.herald-sun.com/sports/ncstate/41-555049.html



RALEIGH -- N.C. State tailback T.A. McLendon will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

"I have enjoyed my time at N.C. State and have a great relationship with Coach [Chuck] Amato and the other coaches," McLendon said in a statement released by the school. "But I have a family to take care of and I've decided to start thinking about my future."

When healthy, the 5-11, 225-pounder from Albemarle has been one of the ACC's most productive running backs over the last three seasons.

He won first-team All-ACC honors as a freshman in 2001, when he played in 13 of N.C. State's 14 games and rushed for 1,101 yards and an ACC freshman record 18 touchdowns. But he managed just 608 yards playing in nine of 13 games as a sophomore and 770 yards while playing in 10 of 11 games as a junior.

For his career, McLendon rushed for 2,479 yards -- the eighth best rushing total in school history. His 33 rushing touchdowns are the third highest ever by a Wolfpack back.

He also caught 93 passes for 858 yards and three more touchdowns.

"We certainly wish T.A. the best," Amato also said in a statement released by the school. "He is a very talented player and we hope he has great success."

McLendon's draft status will depend on his performance in the pre-draft combines, plus the concern NFL executives have about his health issues.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently rated McLendon as his No. 1 junior running back prospect -- but he also lists Texas senior running back Cedric Benson and Auburn senior running backs Ronnie Brown and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams as his top three overall draft picks.

Another draft analyst, Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown projects McLendon as the No. 7 running back in the draft and the No. 58 prospect overall.

McLendon came to N.C. State after a brilliant career at Albemarle High School, where he set national records for career touchdowns (170) and career points scored (1,076) and a North Carolina prep record for career rushing yards (9,038 yards).

As a freshman at N.C. State, McLendon overcame a broken wrist and a shoulder injury to provide the ground attack to balance Philip Rivers' passing prowess.

He rushed for 150 yards and five touchdowns in an overtime victory at Texas Tech and had a season high 168 yards rushing in a nationally televised victory at Clemson.

McLendon was bothered by a series of groin and hamstring injuries in his sophomore season and topped 100 yards rushing just twice.

His best performance came in a victory over Virginia, when he rushed for 112 yards and caught 11 passes for another 104 yards.

McLendon missed the opener of the 2004 season with a preseason groin pull. He managed to play in the next 10 games, although his work load was often limited by a succession of injuries.

He did run for 139 yards and two touchdowns against Wake Forest, including the game-winner in overtime. He also topped 100 yards two other times, rushing for 117 yards against North Carolina and 145 yards against Georgia Tech.

His departure leaves Amato with three tailbacks on the roster.

Reggie Davis rushed for 227 yards as a sophomore, while freshmen Darrell Blackman and Bobby Washington rushed for 206 and 151 yards respectively in limited duty.

In addition, heralded running back Andre Brown of Greenville is expected to join the Pack, perhaps as early as the start of second semester. The 2003 prep All-American signed with N.C. State last February, but spent this fall at Hargrave Military Academy to improve his academic standing
 
Originally Posted by tibor75
And Clarett falls down one more spot.
What a difference 3 years makes. This might be a smart idea. I don't think this years runningback field is that strong, and there is definitely a drop off after the names mentioned in the article. I just was never impressed with T.A. and will always remember him being denied on the goal line by A.J. and Will Allen.
 
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He along with MoC seem to get injured each season... I would think MoC will be drafted before TA... however it would decrease the "need" because there is one more good quality back to pick-up... it certainly doesn't help MoC...
 
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You guys remember Adam Fletcher? He would be over on BNuts spouting off about the power of NC St.
:slappy:

That guy was classic. He was all about the smothering defense and blistering offense that the Wolfpack was going to unleash on the hapless Buckeyes. That team is a joke!!!
 
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I'm sure NFL GMs are going to hop on an RB that's never played a full season in college who is coming out early despite not having that great of a year.

Seems fishy, I hope the Browns don't draft him
 
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