Orlando, FL -- (Sports Network) - University of Central Florida running back Kevin Smith, the nation's leading rusher this season, announced on Sunday that he will skip his final year and enter the NFL draft.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Smith had a "change of heart" and is doing what is "best for me and my family."

He had previously stated at a press conference on December 18 that he would return to school, citing a love for the school and trust in his coach and teammates.

Smith lead the country in rushing this season with 2,567 yards and fell just 61 short of the current FBS single-season record set by Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State.

Smith was UCF's first consensus All-American and finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the upcoming NFL draft is January 18.