AP

The deck is stacked against running backs these days, so good ones have to get it when they can.

And one of the best in college is leaving early for the NFL Draft.

Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon just said on the Dan Patrick Show that he’s leaving school after his junior season to enter the draft.

The Heisman finalist has had an incredible year for the Badgers, with 309 carries for 2,336 yards and 26 touchddowns.

With the rookie wage scale making it imperative for players to start the clock as soon as possible, and the general short shelf life at the position, running backs who are positioned to make the leap should whenever they can.

The league’s advisory board gave him a second-round grade last year, and this year’s performance would only help his status.