So long, Stevie

Two days after his recruiter left Bloomington, Stevie Scott is leaving Indiana, too.

Scott announced Friday that he will forego his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, ending one of the more productive rushing careers in school history. The Syracuse native finishes with the fourth-most rushing touchdowns (30) in an IU uniform, trailing only Anthony Thompson (67), Antwaan Randle El (44) and Levron Williams (31). His 2,543 career rushing yards rank ninth in IU’s record book.

As a junior this past fall, Scott picked up 561 yards on 156 carries, while rushing for 10 touchdowns for the third consecutive season. He’s one of only three Hoosiers (Thompson and Randle El) to rush for double-digit scores in three consecutive seasons.

Scott’s decision comes on the heels of running backs coach Mike Hart moving to Michigan’s staff earlier this week.

Scott made his announcement in a message posted to Twitter:

“What a ride it has been. Coming here to IU from Syracuse, New York has been a life changing experience for me. I’ve made so many memories and built many relationships on and off the field that I will cherish for a lifetime. Changing the culture of Indiana football was a big goal of mine and we did that! I want to thank Coach Allen and Coach Hart for both believing in me and my potential and helping me prepare for the next chapter. I would like to thank my parents for their sacrifices in order for me to be where I am today.

“In addition, I would like to thank Christa Sist, the support staff of the athletic trainers, equipment managers and everyone in the football facility. The people I interact with every day are what makes coming to Indiana University to play football so special. I had a plethora of great memories during my three years here and I will always be a Hoosier. I hope to continue to make Hoosier Nation proud throughout my career. I will forever miss running past the Rock on Saturdays with my brothers and playing for the incredible fans. I do know it is time for me to move on to my next chapter in life.

“After much prayer and discussions with my family, I will forego my senior season and enter the 2021 NFL Draft. I am eager to pursue my dreams of playing in the NFL, but I will be a Hoosier for life.”

Without Scott in the backfield, Sampson James would seem to be next in line to take on the bulk of the carries. After flashing at times this fall, Tim Baldwin will be in the mix, too.