Virginia Tech running back Deshawn McClease received a sixth-year medical redshirt early in his career at Virginia Tech after injuring his shoulder during his first collegiate game, though he has opted not to use the additional year of eligibility and will enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

"First and foremost I mut thank God for giving me the ability to play the game that I love so dearly," McClease posted on Twitter Monday afternoon. "Additionally, I must thank my family for their unwavering support over the last five years. After much thought and prayer I have decided to forgo my last year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

"To my teammates and brothers I cannot begin to express the joy that I get knowing that we have built a bond that will last a lifetime. As you attack the 2020 season understand that if it were easy, everyone would do it. Do everything with purpose.

"To the coaching staff and all faculty here at Virginia Tech, thank you for always challenging me on and off the field to be better at something than I was the day before. Those challenges all played a major role in my transition from a boy to the man that I am now.

"Go Hokies!"

During his five years at Virginia Tech, McClease rushed for 1,833-yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry over the course of his career. He rushed for 12 touchdowns in total.

During the 2019 season, McClease set career marks in all categories. A ten game starter, McClease rushed for a team-best 843-yards on 177 attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He rushed for seven touchdowns.

The 5-foot 9-inch, 190-pounder also added ten receptions for 70-yards.

As a kick returner, McClease averaged 19.1 yards per return over the past two years.

With McClease heading to the NFL, sophomore Keshawn King should see an uptick in his production during his second season. King rushed for 340-yards, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. He rushed for two touchdowns on the year.

Virginia Tech will also enroll graduate transfer Khalil Herbert from Kansas over the offseason. Herbert, who 247Sports considered one of the top transfer prospects in the NCAA Transfer Portal in December, rushed for 1,735-yards during his four-year career at Kansas, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt and scoring 14 touchdowns.

Herbert played in four games during the 2019 season, making him eligible to redshirt and retain his final season of eligibility.

During the four games he played in 2019, Herbert averaged 8.9 yards per carry and led the Kansas program with 384-yards rushing.

Virginia Tech will also enroll junior college transfer Marco Lee in in addition to high school seniors Jordan Brunson and Jalen Hampton.