Cierre Wood Expected to Declare for NFL Draft from Notre Dame

Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood appeared to be leaning towards leaving South Bend for the NFL over the past month. He may still do so, but he isn't decided.

"By all accounts Irish RB Cierre Wood will be announcing he's leaving for the NFL," Doug Griffiths of IndySportsLegends.com tweeted. "(Monday night) he said, 'I have in my mind what I want to do.'"

Wood will reportedly talk to his family this week before making a final decision according to ESPN.com's Joe Schad.

It may be in Wood's best interests to declare for the NFL Draft since Theo Reddick and George Atkinson will continue to rotate in the Fighting Irish backfield. Notre Dame also has the nation's No. 2 running back recruit, Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca-Delray) verbally committed to the program in this year's class. Bryant should see time on the field as a freshman as well. There simply may not be much room for Wood in Notre Dame's backfield next season.