Stanford's McCaffrey won't play in Sun Bowl vs. North Carolina

Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey announced Monday that he won't participate in the Sun Bowl versus North Carolina so he can get ready for the NFL draft.

"Very tough decision, but I have decided not to play in the Sun Bowl so I can begin my draft prep immediately," McCaffrey wrote on Twitter. "Thanks to all my teammates for their 100 percent support - It means a lot to me. Go Cardinal!"

Despite a midseason injury that kept him out of one game, the junior tallied 2,327 all-purpose yards this year and is a potential first-round pick.

"We understand this was a very difficult decision. For three years Christian has not only been a great player but great teammate as well," coach David Shaw said in a statement. "We wish him great success at the next level as we continue out preparation for the Sun Bowl."

On Friday, LSU's Leonard Fournette also announced he would skip the Tigers' Citrus Bowl game against Louisville to focus on his health in the lead-up to the draft.