Polk says ‘no’ to pros
Published 3:24 pm Friday, January 14, 2011
SEATTLE — University of Washington running back Chris Polk confirmed through the school Friday that he intends to return for his junior season next fall.
Polk, who has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and rushed for 461 yards in the final two games of 2010, was eligible for the April NFL draft as a sophomore because he redshirted his freshman year, but he decided to put it off.
“I thought it would be better for me to stay at the UW,” Polk said through an athletic department press release. “I came here to get a degree and I’m really close to that, so why not finish? I’m not ready to leave the college atmosphere and my teammates just yet. We have a young team and a lot of great players coming back. I’m really looking forward to next year.”
This marks the second consecutive year that an offensive starter at the UW has put off the draft. In December 2009, quarterback Jake Locker announced he would return for the 2010 season.
In just two seasons, Polk has become the sixth all-time rusher at Washington, with 2,561 yards.
“We’re excited to have Chris back for his junior season,” UW head coach Steve Sarkisian said in the release. “He’s an excellent team leader with tremendous work ethic, and we look forward to watching him accomplish his goals next season.”
