Michigan State University Athletics
Irvin Declares Himself Eligible for NFL Draft
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Irvin, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, rushed for 1,167 yards in 1998 to become only the second player in school history to record three-straight 1,000-yard seasons. The 6-foot, 225-pound running back from Miami had six 100-yard games in '98, including a season-high 140 yards against Northwestern (28 carries). As a junior, he accounted for 75 percent of MSU's ground attack.
"I prayed a lot about this decision and I think it's time for me to fulfill a dream by playing in the NFL," Irvin said. "I've been struggling with this decision since midseason because I got asked the question by the media after every game. I love the game of football and I want to compete at the highest level.
"I didn't make this decision for selfish reasons. I do want to take care of my mom but I'm not leaving for the money. I've never had money and my mom and I certainly could have waited another year but the timing is right. I know that it's time to move on and face new challenges at the next level.
"We didn't win any championships while I was at Michigan State but I wouldn't trade those three years for anything," he said. "It was a difficult decision but I had to follow my heart. I really don't care where I go in the NFL Draft. I don't care if I'm the last player selected; I just want a chance to make it.
"I love everything about Michigan State and I will finish my degree there because that's important to me. I had a great experience playing football and attending Michigan State. What I enjoyed most about it was impacting the little kids in the community. I want to give back to the community in some way, so I plan on coming back and starting a football camp. You'll still see my face a lot around campus and the area."
He finished his career ranked among Michigan State's all-time leaders in rushing (fourth at 3,504 yards), rushing touchdowns (second at 35), total touchdowns (second at 42), scoring (fifth at 252 points), all-purpose yards (third at 4,833) and receiving (ninth at 108 catches). Irvin had 15 career 100-yard games, including a career-best 238 yards against Penn State (28 attempts) in the 1997 regular-season finale. The Spartans went undefeated in his 12 career multi-TD games.
"Sedrick Irvin had three extremely productive years at Michigan State," Spartan head coach Nick Saban said. "Most importantly, he represented himself, the football program and this University in a first-class manner. Sedrick is one of the classiest young men I've ever been around, and he'll always be a Spartan.
"I'm disappointed that Sedrick won't return for his senior season, but I support him in making this difficult decision. We wish him the very best of luck in the future."
