The 2018 NC State football team took a big blow Friday afternoon, as junior running back Nyheim Hines announced he will forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft, according to NC State Athletics.

Hines, a two-sport star in both football and track, was named to the All-ACC first team at running back following the 2017 season, and to the third team as a specialist. Hines rushed for 1,112 yards this past season, scoring 12 touchdowns on the ground. He was also a threat on special teams, averaging 12.3 yards per punt return with one touchdown and 22.3 yards per kickoff return.

In addition to his success on the football field, Hines was also an All-ACC competitor in track and field, winning an ACC Championship in the 4X100-meter relay last season.

“I would like to thank the coaches for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at my dream school,” Hines told NC State Athletics. “I appreciate everybody at NC State who has helped me along the way. Last, but not least, I want to thank Wolfpack Nation for always supporting me — even in high school — to help make my dream come true. NC State will always be a part of me wherever I am in life, and I will always be drawn back here.”

Replacing Hines, a Garner native, will be a daunting task for NC State. Junior Reggie Gallaspy will be returning to the Pack in 2018, and four-star recruit Ricky Person will also most likely be called upon by head coach Dave Doeren next season.

“We appreciate Nyheim’s contributions to the entire athletic program as a multisport athlete,” Doeren told NC State Athletics. “He could’ve played college football anywhere in the country but he chose to stay home and come to NC State. He has made an impact on and off the football field.”