Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk had yet another spectacular season in 2011. He was one of the key components in a solid offense that led the Huskies to a 7-5 record and a bowl game berth. He faces a big decision in the offseason: whether to return for his senior season, or enter the NFL draft.
As of now, Polk remains undecided, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
"I actually haven't really thought [about the draft] because that wouldn't be fair to my teammates or my coaches and all the fans to have my mind elsewhere," he said. "Right now, I'm just thinking about Baylor and thinking about this game (Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29). I think my decision process will probably set in after the bowl game, but as of right now I'm not even worried about that."
Once the Alamo Bowl is behind him, however, Polk will need to make a decision before the deadline on January 18. Polk redshirted his freshman year in 2008 due to an injury and as a fourth-year junior, is eligible for one more year of play. There is a common belief that running backs should seize early opportunities to enter the draft as they play a particularly punishing position.
One of the determining factors for Polk appears to be the issue of his legacy. He is only 205 yards away from breaking the current UW record for career rushing yards, a mark which holds an allure for him. Polk was the only member of the Huskies to be named to the All-Pac-12 team in 2011. You can bet that although his coaches and teammates wish him every opportunity for success, his leaving would create a big offensive gap on the squad.
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