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UNC gamebreaker Gio Bernard is headed for the NFL.

The redshirt sophomore standout who led the ACC in rushing this season announced Friday he is entering the April draft.

Bernard ran for 1,228 yards this season despite missing two games. He also led the ACC with 19 touchdowns, his signature play coming on a 74-yard punt return to beat N.C. State.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my three years in Chapel Hill and coming to UNC was one of the best decisions I've ever made," Bernard said in a school release. "I feel like the best decision for my future is to enter the NFL draft this year. I want to thank Coach (Larry) Fedora, this coaching staff and the previous coaching staff for putting me in a position to succeed. I am on track to graduate and I plan on coming back to earn my degree in the Spring of 2014."

Last season, Bernard ran for 1,253 yards, a UNC freshman record.