Jan. 14, 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky junior running back Braylon Heard, who will complete his bachelor’s degree this spring, has decided to forego his final season of college football and has declared for the 2015 National Football League draft.

A transfer from Nebraska, Heard played one season at Kentucky, participating in 11 games and starting 10 during the 2014 season. Heard rushed for 366 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. His UK career started with a bang, running for a 73-yard touchdown and a 43-yard TD on his only two carries in the season-opening win over UT Martin. He rushed six times for 67 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown run, in the upset of South Carolina.

Heard is an all-around fundamental player. He is an adept pass receiver, catching 21 passes for 108 yards last season. He returned two kickoffs for a 33-yard average and also is a solid blocker.

During the spring, Heard plans to complete his degree in community and leadership development while preparing for the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 30 – May 2.

“I appreciate the hard work Braylon gave to the Kentucky program,” Coach Mark Stoops said. “He has been a model student-athlete and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Heard spent the 2011 and ’12 seasons at Nebraska, where he rushed 77 times for 452 yards, a 5.9-yard average carry, and one touchdown.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, he was an all-state running back while leading Cardinal Mooney High School to the state championship during his senior season.