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Memphis' Darrell Henderson leaving early for NFL draft

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- All-American running back Darrell Henderson says he's leaving Memphis after his junior season for the NFL draft.

Henderson shared his decision Wednesday on Twitter, saying he will be forever grateful for Memphis giving him his opportunity to chase his NFL dream. It is unclear if Henderson will play in Memphis' upcoming bowl game.

Henderson, who was named to the Associated Press All-America first team on Tuesday, is listed by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. as the No. 3 running back in his positional rankings for the 2019 draft class.

The native of Batesville, Mississippi, led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 25 total touchdowns. He is second nationally with 1,909 yards rushing and averages 8.9 yards per carry on 214 rushes. Henderson leads the nation with 2,328 all-purpose yards and 22 rushing TDs.

His rushing yards are third-most in Memphis history, and his rushing TDs tied the single-season mark. He currently is second in Memphis history with 3,545 yards rushing and 45 TDs for his career.

Memphis (8-5) plays Wake Forest in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 22.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.