In the post game press conference just moments after the Connecticut Huskies were defeated soundly by the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, junior Jordan Todman announced that he would declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Todman had 1,574 rushing yards on the season and ran for 121 yards in the loss to Oklahoma.
"I sat down with my family and friends and did a lot of thinking. I think the best decision for me is to declare into the NFL Draft this year," Todman said.
Todman's departure will leave a gaping hole in the UConn offense as he accounted for a large part of their production all season long. Connecticut Head Coach Randy Edsall, however, was completely supportive of his young player's decision.
"I'm 100 percent behind him. We've talked and we've done research and given him the information this I received and what we received...I think he'll do very well. So congratulations to Jordan. He has made a difference in this program," Edsall said.
Todman will join five Huskie seniors who were invited to play in the East-West game. The same five, along with Todman, were invited to the NFL combine.
At 5-9 and 193 pounds, Todman maybe considered a bit undersized for regular running duty at the next level but there are plenty of smaller running backs who have successful NFL careers. Arizona Cardinals running back, LaRod Stephens-Howling is only 5-7 and is already proving his worth as a kick return specialist and third-string back.