Matt L. Stephens

matthewstephens@coloradoan.com

Rashard Higgins’ career at CSU is officially over.

The Colorado State University junior wide receiver announced via Twitter and Facebook on Wednesday night that he’ll forgo his senior season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

“It’s been an honor, a blessing and a privilege to be part of Colorado State University. After weighing my options and leaning on those who matter most, I have decided that it is in my best interest to forgo my senior year,” Higgins’ statement read. “This has been a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve worked hard to put myself in a position to seize this opportunity of a lifetime if it ever presented itself, and I owe it all to those who believed in me.”

Higgins leaves CSU as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (239), receiving yards (3,649) and receiving touchdowns (31). He was a Biletnikoff finalist and consensus All-American as a sophomore in 2014 and earned All-Mountain West honors as a junior. He becomes the third CSU players in as many years to leave school early and test the professional market, joining running backs Kapri Bibbs (2013) and Dee Hart (2014), who both went undrafted.

Higgins, 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, is ranked as the 12th best wide receiver in the 2016 NFL draft by CBSSports.com and is projected to be selected in the third round. He's not among ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s top 10 wide receivers.

"I am in tears," Higgins' mother, Jeanette Jackson, told the Coloradoan. "God is in the midst. He is going to work it out."

CSU coach Mike Bobo and assistant Alvis Whitted visited Higgins and his family at their home in Dallas on Feb. 6 about the upcoming decision. Bobo said it wasn't a recruiting trip but a chance to present as much information possible to the receiver in order for him to make an educated decision.

"Coach Whitted has been more than a coach to me, and I am fortunate to have had a coach like him on my side. A special thank you goes to all of my coaches, along with the trainers, professors, academic staff, and tutors that have prepared me for this moment," Higgins said. "My thank you will never be enough, and I truly mean that.

"To my brothers I went to war with every weekend, I love you all and want to thank you for your support. To my family, you're my rock, and I can never repay you for all that you've done. I love you with all my heart. Most of all, my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, thank you. Glory be to you for all of your blessings!"

Higgins also extended his appreciation to the CSU fan base for making his time in Fort Collins "unforgettable."

The 2015 season for Higgins was one in which he saw his statistics fall; however, under a new offensive system and a fresh starter at quarterback, that was to be expected. Higgins had 75 catches for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, which contrasts heavily against the 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore.

"We wish Rashard Higgins all the best as he begins this next chapter in his life. I'm appreciative of the way he represented his family, our team and Colorado State University, and gave everything he had for his teammates and our great fans on a daily basis," Bobo said in a statement released by the university. "Rashard will always be a Ram, and I have no doubt he will be successful as he joins his fellow former Rams proudly representing Colorado State in the NFL."

What makes Higgins stand out is his ability to catch the 50-50 balls and his blocking ability, springing running backs around the edges or holding his blocks down field after a fellow receivers receives a pass across the middle. He thrives in one-on-one coverage.

The 2016 NFL draft will take place April 28-30

For insight and analysis on athletics around Northern Colorado and the Mountain West, follow sports columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.

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