College football: Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon will enter NFL draft

Joe Mixon, the star Oklahoma running back who was suspended for the 2014 season after punching a woman in the face, will enter the NFL draft.

Mixon made the announcement in a statement on his Twitter account Thursday. He thanked Oklahoma’s coaches, administrators, support staff and fans.

“I promise not to waste the second chance that was given to me,” Mixon said in the statement. “I owe that to my coaches who believed in me, my teammates who stood by me, and the University that gave me an education that I always will be thankful for.”

Mixon’s lawyers released video last month of him breaking Oklahoma student Amelia Molitor’s jaw and cheekbone in July 2014, and heavy criticism of Mixon and Sooners Coach Bob Stoops followed.

Mixon gave a tearful public apology a week later. In his statement Thursday, he said he wants to teach others to do better.

“I also pledge to use my own experience as a platform to teach other young men never — and I repeat, never — to make the mistakes that I made,” he said.

Mixon set Oklahoma’s school’s single-season record for all-purpose yards this season with 2,331. He closed out his college career with 180 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns in a 35-19 Sugar Bowl win over Auburn .

Now, he wants to take the next step. He is an early-round talent who might drop in the draft because of his off-the-field problems.

The Sooners also will need to replace Samaje Perine, the school’s career rushing leader who also declared for the draft this week.

Etc.

Charlie Strong began filling his coaching staff at South Florida by announcing the hiring of Sterlin Gilbert as offensive coordinator. Gilbert was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Strong at Texas this season. He’s also served in similar positions the past four seasons at Tulsa (2015), Bowling Green (2014) and Eastern Illinois (2012-13). … Oregon State Coach Gary Andersen has named Jason Phillips its passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach, and John Rushing its safeties coach. …

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley is returning for his senior season. Wadley ran for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns as well as caught 36 passes with three TDs last year despite splitting time with departing senior LeShun Daniels Jr. … The Chicago Cubs would like to host a bowl game at Wrigley Field. Crane Kenney, president of business operations, told the Chicago Tribune the team intends to start hosting a bowl game in a few years after the ongoing overhaul to the 103-year old ballpark is completed.