Missouri RB to enter draft after all

Posted: Tue Jan 29 6:04 PM

Columbia, MO (Sports Network) - Missouri Tigers tailback Tony Temple will forego his last-chance appeal for an extra year of eligibility, and will enter the NFL Draft.

"It's time to move on and focus on doing what I need to do to make a positive impression for the next level," said Temple. "I feel good about looking into the extra year. It was worth a shot, but I don't want anyone spending any more time on it, and I feel I'm ready to take the next step. Coach Pinkel and I decided before last season that we should approach the 2007 season like it was going to be my last, and I'm glad we did it that way."

Temple's final game was one to remember as he ran for a Cotton Bowl record 281 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-7 win over Arkansas on New Year's day. The Tigers finished 12-2 and No. 4 in the country this season in large part because of Temple's 1,039 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Temple finished his career with 2,552 career rushing yards, which is sixth on the school's all-time list.

Temple's departure leaves the door open for Jimmy Jackson, who ran for 331 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Derrick Washington and Earl Goldsmith may also compete for playing time.