Coach: Todd Gurley going pro

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Georgia Bulldogs junior running back Todd Gurley has informed coach Mark Richt that he plans to enter the NFL draft.

Richt made the announcement after the Bulldogs' practice Friday for the Belk Bowl. The 13th-ranked Bulldogs face No. 20 Louisville on Tuesday.

"He will be a very high draft pick," said Richt, adding that Gurley's rehabilitation from a knee injury was going well. "I wouldn't be shocked to see him doing a lot of things for the scouts before the draft."

Gurley was a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate and got off to a strong start, but a four-game suspension and a knee injury derailed his season.

ESPN NFL draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. has Gurley as hisNo. 2-rated running back and projected as an early second-round draft pick. ESPN NFL draft Insider Todd McShay, in his first mock draft, has Gurley slated as a late first-round pick.

Gurley attended practice with his teammates Friday but was not made available for interviews.

The 6-foot-1, 236-pound Gurley ran for 911 yards and nine touchdowns in six games this season, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He was suspended four games in October by the NCAA for taking $3,000 for autographed memorabilia and other items over two years. In Gurley's first game back against Auburn, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, ending his season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.