LSU’s Russell to announce draft decision

Louisiana State junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell will announce his decision regarding the NFL draft at a Wednesday morning news conference, several outlets are reporting.

ESPN, citing no sources, reports Russell will skip his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft in April.

Russell is coming off a 332-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Tigers’ 41-14 victory over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl last week. At 6 feet 6, 252 pounds, he is expected to be a top-10 selection in April’s draft and would battle Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn to be the first quarterback taken.

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Damion Fletcher ran for two touchdowns and Southern Mississippi scored 21 points in the second quarter en route to a 28-7 victory over Ohio in the GMAC Bowl at Mobile, Ala.

The Golden Eagles (9-5) dominated after a scoreless first quarter for their third consecutive postseason win.

Frank Solich’s Bobcats (9-5) were making their first bowl appearance since 1968.

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Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson and cornerback Chris Houston will skip their final season of college eligibility to make themselves available for the NFL draft, Coach Houston Nutt said.

Anderson was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and an honorable mention All-American as a junior this season. He led the SEC in sacks with 13.5. Houston finished the season with 45 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.

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Sophomore Sidney Rice, South Carolina’s career leader in touchdown receptions, is giving up his final two seasons to make himself eligible for the draft.