Shyrone Stith Plans To Enter NFL Draft, Tech Assistant Says
The Virginia Tech RB may forgo his final year
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Jan. 10, 2000
Associated Press
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech junior tailback Shyrone Stith plans to enter the NFL draft in April as an underclassman, according to an assistant coach.
Billy Hite, an assistant to Hokies coach Frank Beamer, told The Roanoke Times on Monday night that Stith called him last Thursday and told him of his decision.
Stith had told reporters on Dec. 30 while preparing to play in the Sugar Bowl that he wouldn't leave Tech early.
Stith could not be reached Monday night at his home or Blacksburg apartment. Monday was the final day for underclassmen to declare draft eligibility.
His change of heart surprised Tech's coaches, since expectations are that he wouldn't be picked before the third or fourth round.
"I told Shyrone all along that if it looked like he'd go in the first or second (round), `You don't have to ask, I'll boot you out of here,"' Hite said. "But if it's below that I told him it wasn't worth it. Only one more year of his life and that could cost him between $1 million and $2 million per year."
The 5-foot-8, 210-pound Stith led the No. 2 Hokies in rushing this season, running for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns. He ranked 18th in the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 25.8 yards per return.
Stith sustained a sprained left ankle late in the first half at the Sugar Bowl and sat out the rest of Tech's 46-29 loss to Florida State. He carried 11 times for 68 yards before the injury.
Stith is ninth on Tech's career rushing list with 2,292 yards.
