Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Kylin Hill (8) Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill officially opts out to prepare for NFL Draft

Mississippi State Bulldogs star running back and 2019 First-Team All-SEC selection Kylin Hill announced on Tuesday that he is opting out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Hill previously planned to become eligible for the 2020 draft but instead elected to return for his senior season. He gained 58 yards on 15 rushing attempts this year but missed the Oct. 17 game against the Texas A&M Aggies and last Saturday's contest versus the Alabama Crimson Tide for undisclosed reasons.

Earlier reports claimed Hill served a suspension for at least the showdown with Texas A&M. 

Hill's stock in mock drafts rose dramatically after he tallied 1,350 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns during the 2019 campaign. Charlie Campbell of Walter Football projects Hill could be a second-round pick in next year's draft class. 

"Hill played well for the Bulldogs, showing power and quickness, but they struggled to help Hill find good running lanes in a number of games in 2019," Campbell explained last month. "He has starting potential for the NFL and could stand to improve his receiving ability for the next level."

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