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Hokies' Deshawn McClease announces he's leaving for NFL draft

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Virginia Tech running back Deshawn McClease said he's leaving school early to enter the NFL draft.

McClease made the announcement Monday on Twitter, also thanking the Hokies' coaching staff for playing "a major role in my transition from a boy to the man I am now."

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound, redshirt junior ran for 843 yards and seven touchdowns this season, including 126 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies' 37-30 loss to Kentucky in the Belk Bowl.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.