Stanford running back/outfielder Toby Gerhart has followed Louisiana State two-sport standout Chad Jones' lead, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibiliy to enter the NFL draft. Gerhart, the Heisman Trophy runner-up after rushing for 28 touchdowns this fall, has withdrawn from Stanford for the winter quarter to focus on the NFL combine in February.

“After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from Stanford University for the winter quarter in order to fully devote my energies towards the pursuit of my dream of playing in the NFL,” Gerhart said in a statement. “While I certainly will miss patrolling left field on the Sunken Diamond or running through the gaping holes created by my O-linemen on the gridiron at Stanford Stadium, I will forever cherish the camaraderie, friendships, and memories that I forged here at Stanford with all my friends, teammates, and coaches."

Gerhart's departure leaves a power vacuum in the heart of Stanford's lineup. Highly touted freshmen Jake Stewart and Kenny Diekroeger will be counted upon to help fill the void.