THE SIDELINES : Michigan’s Hoard Going for NFL

Michigan tailback Leroy Hoard, whose Rose Bowl heroics two years ago helped make him a big name to Wolverine football fans, will forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

“A lot of my decision had nothing to do with money. I’d always wanted the chance to play in the NFL,” Hoard said Wednesday.

Michigan Coach Gary Moeller said he disagreed with Hoard’s decision. “However, this is his option year, and he must make the decision. We wish him the very best.”

As a sophomore, Hoard was the most valuable player in the Rose Bowl as Michican rolled over USC, 22-14. He rushed for 752 yards that season. Last season, he rushed for 832 yards. He scored 19 touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry during his career.

Hoard said he feared a knee injury similar to that suffered last November by teammate Tony Boles, who may be unable to play football again unless he switches from running back to another position.