South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel came back for his senior season after his junior year ended early due to injury.

However, as he prepares for the next stage of his career, he’s going to get an early start on preparations.

As you can see below, Samuel announced on Instagram on Monday that he would be sitting out South Carolina’s Belk Bowl appearance vs. Virginia:

View this post on Instagram

June 1, 2014 … We became family •Thank you for brightening my world on my worst days •Thank you for inspiring me and not even knowing it •Thank you for always believing in me even when things were rough •Thank you for being an important part to my story •Thank you for the struggles we went through because without it I wouldn’t have found my strength •I appreciate you more because of the road We’ve travelled through injuries, heartache and adversity as a whole. My story brought me to your doorstep and I wouldn’t revise it for nothing. •You changed my life without even trying, and I don’t think I could ever tell you how much you all mean to me. •The impact on my life you all have made I can never repay. I owe you more than you’ll ever know, Please don’t ever forget me because I will never forget you. Forever To Thee I love you Gamecock Nation ♥️

A post shared by Deebo Samuel (@uno_captain) on

Obviously, that’s a tough break for the South Carolina offense, but no one should be mad at Samuel for his decision. He doesn’t want to get hurt and cost himself a chance at the NFL, where he could be a first-round 2019 pick.

Samuel has done a lot for the Gamecocks over the years, and he’ll surely be rooting for his teammates in the Belk Bowl.