Reggie Bush makes 'tough' decision, leaving USC for the NFL

Jet, Jan 30, 2006

It's official--Reggie Bush is skipping his senior season at University of Southern California (USC) to enter the NFL draft on April 29.

"It's a happy day. I don't think it's a sad time," Bush said at the news conference. "It was tough ... You want to please everybody. You want to return for your senior season."

The Heisman Trophy winner made the expected announcement a day after running mate LenDale White made his decision to leave early and turn pro.

Throughout his college career, Bush has flashed such speed, great moves and an ability to change direction that he's been compared to such greats as Gale Sayers, Barry Sanders, Tony Dorsett and Marshall Faulk. The USC standout is expected to be one of the first players taken in the draft, with many projecting that he's going to the Houston Texans, which holds the No. 1 pick.

The electrifying running back had 1,740 yards rushing and 2,890 all-purpose yards this season for the

Trojans, who fell short of an unprecedented third national title when the team lost 41-38 to Texas in the Rose Bowl (Jet, Jan. 23).

Bush, a 6-foot, Spring Valley, CA-native, averaged an amazing 8.7 yards per carry. He also caught 37 passes for 478 yards and led the nation in all-purpose yards with 222.3 per game.