After the UConn running back picked up 121 yards Saturday night in the Fiesta Bowl — his 10th 100-yard rushing game of the season — he announced that he'd be declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft in April.
"I felt like it was the right time for me," Todman said in a news conference after Oklahoma had beaten UConn 48-20.
Though he's losing his best player, UConn coach Randy Edsall fully supports the junior's decision and is thankful for his contributions.
"He has made a difference in this program, made a huge difference," Edsall said. "I'm 100 percent behind what he's doing. I think he'll do very, very well."
Todman made a name for himself locally at Dartmouth High School, where he was named The Boston Globe's Division I Player of the Year in 2007. He's the second-leading rusher in Massachusetts history with 5,083 yards and 70 touchdowns, and he turned in an unforgettable performance against Everett in the '07 Super Bowl. Though Dartmouth lost in overtime, Todman compiled 199 yards and three touchdowns at Gillette Stadium.
At UConn, he's rushed for more than 3,000 yards in his three seasons (5.2 yards per carry) and 31 touchdowns. He was the unanimous selection for Big East Offensive Player of the Year this season.
Among his many memorable efforts for UConn are his four-touchdown game against Cincinnati last season, his 96-yard kickoff return to tie the game at Notre Dame last year and his 222 rushing yards against Pittsburgh this year.
