Auburn running back Peyton Barber, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season, will declare for the NFL Draft, according to a post on Instagram he made Monday afternoon.
The post reads:
"I have decided to forego my eligibility at Auburn and enter the 2016 NFL Draft. This was a very tough decision for many reasons but after my family and I prayed about it, I know I am ready for the next step and that this is the best decision for me. Auburn is a special place and having the opportunity to play football at Auburn has been a dream come true. I am close to graduating, so I will continue to work towards my degree even as I pursue my dream to play in the NFL. I would like to thank all of my coaches and all of the support staff at Auburn, especially Coach (Gus) Malzahn, Coach (Rhett) Lashlee and Coach (Tim) Horton. Thank you to all of my teammates as well. Lastly, thank you to the best fans in the world! I will always be an Auburn Tiger. War Eagle!"
Barber, who assumed the starting running back role for the majority of the season, ran for 1,017 yards in 2015, including five games where he topped the 100-yard mark. By surpassing 1,000 yards, Barber ensured Auburn would have a 1,000-yard rusher for the seventh consecutive year.
He started the season behind Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson on the depth chart, but blossomed when they went down with injuries.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft was Monday at 4 p.m. Barber, Shon Coleman and Avery Young are the only Auburn underclassmen to declare.
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