Towson, MD (SportsNetwork.com) - Towson record-setting running back Terrance West is leaving school early and entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
West led Towson to the FCS championship game as a junior, setting national single-season records for the level with 2,509 rushing yards, 41 rushing touchdowns and 42 total touchdowns.
The two-time FCS first-team All-American received a third-round grade from the NFL's draft advisory panel.
"I'm ready for the challenge," West told the Baltimore Sun on Tuesday. "I'll adapt to anything that's thrown at me. I'm just prepared. I had a good thing with Towson. They prepared me very well, and it should be fun."
It's rare for underclassmen from the FCS to enter the NFL Draft early, but West felt he had little left to prove on the level and the 2014 draft class isn't deep at running back. West was an older junior and will turn 23 on Jan. 28.
The 5-foot-11, 223-pounder is a powerful runner who is noted for his footwork and vision, though he is not considered a speed burner.
He won the inaugural Jerry Rice Award winner as the 2011 FCS freshman of the year and finished third in the Walter Payton Award voting for FCS player of the year this season.
West rushed for 4,849 yards in 37 games over three seasons. He scored 86 touchdowns, just three shy of the FCS record which Brian Westbrook scored in his career at Villanova.
CBSSports.com reported West and Towson senior cornerback Jordan Love will both sign with agent Marc Lillibridge. Love was suspended for the FCS championship game against North Dakota State for an NCAA rules violation.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.