ORLANDO, Fla. – Tight end David Njoku has played in his final game at Miami.

Njoku, a draft-eligible redshirt sophomore, announced his intentions after Miami’s 31-14 win to No. 14 West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Wednesday night.

“After discussing it with my coaches and family, I have decided to enter the 2017 draft," Njoku said following the game. "It is kind of bittersweet leaving my team a couple years early, but I feel like it is best for me and my family. I talked to coach Richt and he wished me the best. It is all love in the end.”

Njoku received a high draft grade from the NFL a source informed InsideTheU earlier this month and is a potential first round pick. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Cedar Grove, N.J. native is appealing to NFL teams with his athleticism especially his downfield speed.

He caught five passes for 44 yards and a touchdown in the game.

Njoku finished his sophomore season with 43 receptions for 698 yards and eight touchdowns.

He played in 26 games at Miami catching 54 passes for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns.

He is looking to join a number of Miami alums playing tight end in the NFL including Greg Olsen (Carolina), Jimmy Graham (Seattle), Clive Walford (Oakland), Erik Swoope (Indianapolis), and Asante Cleveland (San Diego).

Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by e-mail at stock@insidetheu.com

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