Report: Florida RB Matt Jones to leave early, enter NFL draft

Florida running back Matt Jones will reportedly leave school early to enter the NFL Draft.

Florida running back Matt Jones will leave school early to enter the NFL Draft, according to a report from GatorCountry.com.

Jones, a junior, leads the Gators with 166 carries for 817 yards this season. He is also tied with Kelvin Taylor for the team lead with six rushing touchdowns.

Over his three seasons in Gainesville, Jones has rushed 297 times for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns.

According to GatorCountry, Jones' decision was motivated in part by his desire to financially provide for his young daughter. Jones has also had two knee surgeries, which have limited his carries in college. His 2013 season was cut short in October when a torn meniscus in his left knee forced him to undergo surgery.

• Between the Hashes: The wackiest of Rivalry Week

Jones, 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, has also caught 11 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown this season.

Florida finished the regular season 6-5 after losing to Florida State on Saturday. Head coach Will Muschamp was dismissed on Nov. 16 after going 27-20 (17-15 SEC) over four seasons. According to TheTampa Bay Times, Muschamp told players after Saturday's loss to make good decisions regarding their futures without getting caught up in his dismissal.

"I told them that’s what they needed to do," Muschamp said. "They need to make good decisions moving forward. If they’re in a situation as a junior, they don’t need to just say ‘I don’t want to play for a new staff.’ That’s ridiculous. You’re making a business decision, not a personal decision when you do that."

- Mike Fiammetta