RB Wendell Smallwood opts to enter NFL Draft

Wendell Smallwood recently announced that he will elect to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Smallwood, who rushed for 1,519 yards for the Mountaineers this season, had a breakout campaign. He was the leading runner in the Big 12.

I will forever be a mountaineer , thank you guys so much for everything . pic.twitter.com/TpVzLig08c
— Wendell Smallwood (@WeetWithThe_WAM) January 6, 2016

Smallwood's departure comes as a bit of a surprise. As good as he was in 2015, he's not thought of as an elite NFL prospect, though it's hard to blame him for turning pro if he gets selected.

Who does West Virginia have to take Smallwood's place in the backfield? Scout has that answer and more.