Boulder, Colo. ? Colorado running back Chris Brown declared himself eligible for this year’s NFL draft on Friday.

Brown, who ran for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns this season despite missing two games with a bruised sternum, had insisted he would return to Boulder for his senior season in 2003, but in recent days began wavering.

On Wednesday, Brown told school officials he was “rethinking” his decision.

“I think this is the best thing for me to do,” Brown said from his parents’ home in Naperville, Ill. “I’ve thoroughly explored it, and am comfortable with my decision, as is my family.

“If I had to narrow it down to one reason, there really wasn’t one particular thing or driving force. It was a childhood dream of mine to play in the NFL. I think I’ve accomplished a lot at CU and it’s time for me to try it at the next level.

“I made a lot of friends for life at Colorado, and I’ve cherished my time there. The coaches have all been great to me, and I’m personally better for my time and experiences at CU.”

Brown’s change of heart followed the departure of CU running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to UCLA. Brown and Bieniemy were close. He also was believed influenced by the severe knee injury suffered by Miami running back Willis McGahee in the national championship game.

K-State reveals staff changes

Manhattan — With two of his offensive coaches leaving for Kentucky, Kansas State coach Bill Snyder announced Friday the staff adjustments he’ll make to fill the vacated positions.

Snyder said that defensive ends coach Del Miller will become co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Miller served as the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator from 1989 to 1994. Passing game coordinator Greg Peterson will continue to serve as wide receivers coach, but will also be co-offensive coordinator. Former Kansas State defensive end Joe Bob Clements will move from his graduate assistant position to defensive ends coach to replace Miller.

SMU offensive line coach Bob Stanley will return to Kansas State to become offensive line coach.

The moves were made necessary after offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ron Hudson and offensive line coach/running game coordinator Paul Dunn accepted similar positions at Kentucky.

Pierce leaving for draft

Manhattan — Kansas State linebacker Terry Pierce said Friday he will pass up his senior season to enter the NFL draft

MSU QB could return

East Lansing, Mich. — Suspended Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker will be given a chance at reinstatement. New coach John L. Smith said Smoker must do certain things if he is to return for his senior season, but he did not say what they were. Smoker was suspended in midseason and later revealed he was battling substance abuse.

Wilkerson heading to draft

Norman, Okla. — Oklahoma defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson is passing up his senior year to enter the National Football League draft, according to various media reports Friday.

Prairie View names coach

Prairie View, Texas — Former Houston Oilers defensive back C.L. Whittington was hired Friday as head coach at Prairie View A&M, which has had 14 straight losing seasons.