Running back Craig Heyward of the University...

Running back Craig Heyward of the University of Pittsburgh, the nation’s second-leading rusher last season, has told friends he will give up his final year of college eligibility to play pro football next fall, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

The newspaper also said Heyward has met informally several times with Eric Metz, a Pittsburgh insurance salesman who represents Bruce Allen, a sports agent. NCAA rules prohibit a college athlete from having any financial or contractual dealings with an agent before his playing eligibility expires.