Running back Marshawn Lynch said Tuesday he will skip his senior season at California to enter the NFL draft.

Lynch was the Pac-10's offensive player of the year after rushing for a conference-best 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading Cal (10-3) to a league co-championship and a victory over Texas A&M in last week's Holiday Bowl with 111 yards and two scores.

As a sophomore in 2005, Lynch became the fourth Cal tailback in four years to rush for 1,000 yards under coach Jeff Tedford. The Oakland, Calif., native rushed for 3,230 yards and 29 touchdowns in his three seasons at Cal.

"The opportunity to play in the NFL is something that I have always dreamed of," Lynch said. "Right now, it is just hitting me that my dreams are going to have the chance to come true."

Lynch is just the second Cal player to enter the draft early in Tedford's five seasons. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also bypassed his senior season to enter the 2004 draft, going to the Green Bay Packers in the first round.

"Marshawn has had an outstanding career here and has been a key part of building this team into a nationally competitive program," Tedford said. "We are going to miss him, but support his decision. This has always been a goal and dream for him."

Justin Forsett, who has rushed for 1,625 yards as Lynch's backup over the last two seasons, is likely to replace Lynch next season in Cal's backfield.

Source:Associate Press

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• Bad News For Marshawn Lynch

Add this guy to one of the running backs that will be better than Adrian Peterson.

lynch will be the top RB in this class, but its pretty weak outside of him and AP. especially the senior class. its no wonder he declared, should be gone in the top half of the first.

is the top the first 16 or the last 16?

the first 16 picks.

ok, that wat i thought, or else i would have to say wat are u smoking?

Gonna see Kenny Irons up there as well.

Has Peterson declared? I know we have all assumed he will go, but has he made it official? Gonna be hard to pass up that car wash money.

what about the other Irons i know it starts with a D, i think he will be middle of the first round

is it David?

Now all I need is AP to make it official and my #2 pick in my dynasty league will look beautiful either way.

I think this kid is going to be very good.

Good luck with that. You will regret that pick

What pick? Lynch?

Peterson if you are considering taking him.

good luck making ur team look beautiful MT, ur gonna need it

Considering I pick #2, AP will likely be gone in 95% or more of the drafts this year so I'm guessing Lynch will be my guy. And despite your hatred of all things Oklahoma, I'd have no problem taking AP if he did fall. But thanks for the concern

ahh, my team already looks beautiful!!! And 2 top 6 picks will only help more!

who do u get to pick from?

It is a rookie draft, so all rookies and FA's (nothing there to get excited about), so basically the rooks.

gonna have to disagree. not too impressed with what i saw from kenny irons this year, and i have heard very little buzz about him. i think hes probably dropped himself to 2nd or 3rd round status at this point, but maybe he can find himself a good backup role.

Mike, I'd be interested in hearing why you think Peterson is going to flop. I've recently acquired the No. 1 pick in a rookie draft and am pondering between AP and Lynch. Honestly, I think the situation they end up in will determine who fares better, but I'm interested in hearing Peterson's downside.