The Spartan football team will have to switch to unleaded next season, as “Diesel” will no longer be available.

A sense of satisfaction and relief beamed from T.J. Duckett on Thursday when he announced his decision to forgo his senior season to join the NFL. The press conference brought family, friends and teammates to the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center.

“I felt it was about that time and you know my heart’s in it and everything else is in it, and I’m going to give it everything I got,” Duckett said.

“My dream was to play pro football. I got the opportunity and I’m going to take it.”

During his three-year career at MSU, Duckett amassed 3,379 yards on the ground, good enough for fifth all-time. He also ranks fourth all-time for rushing touchdowns with 29.

His numbers are more impressive, considering MSU recruited Duckett as a linebacker before converting him to running back during his freshman season.

Duckett officially filed his papers with the NFL offices Wednesday. Duckett said he’s projected as a second-round pick, but his goal is to still be a top choice.

He said he’ll leave school this semester to train, but will fulfill his mother’s wish to get his degree.

Duckett said it was a difficult decision to make, but after listening to all the advice and weighing different options, he felt going to the NFL was what he needed to do.

He said injuries, which have previously plagued him in his career - and the 1992 injury-ridden senior season of his brother Tico, who also played at MSU - factored in his decision.

“I thought about it, but at the same time it’s a different life,” he said of his brother. “It entered my mind but it wasn’t a focal point.”

Head coach Bobby Williams said despite not winning a Big Ten Championship, Duckett brought much more during his tenure at MSU.

“This is just a great relationship and experience that we’ve had,” he said. “Everything he’s done for this program was over and beyond the call of duty.”

Williams added that MSU is losing more than just a quality athlete.

“We lose a very, very good person and player - and a guy we relied on quite a bit,” he said. “But we’re definitely going to find a replacement.

“I know and I feel deeply in my heart that he’ll do very, very well at the next level.”

Teammates also showed appreciation for Duckett.

Junior left tackle Ulish Booker said he’s going to miss a lot of things about Duckett, but he won’t forget the beatings he gave the defense.

“On and off the field, T.J.’s a great guy and we’re gonna miss him,” Booker said. “The thing that I’m gonna miss the most is hearing the opposing defender go ‘uh,’ ‘ah’ when he’s coming through the hole.

“Like coach said, it’s bittersweet, but I’m glad to see that he’s trying to achieve his goal and his lifetime dream. It was a pleasure blocking for him the years that I played with him, and I’m just excited for him.”

But sophomore quarterback Jeff Smoker said there might be some advantages for him with Duckett’s departure.

“Hopefully we’ll find someone to replace him,” Smoker said. “If we have to throw the ball more, I don’t have any problem with that. I’m always ready to throw 40 times - that would be great.”

Duckett’s departure also puts Smoker squarely into a leadership role, filling the void left by the running back. But he says he’s ready to accept the challenge.

“Obviously, I don’t want him to go,” he said. “But at the same time, I’m going to support him.”

Perhaps no one was more happy with the decision than Tico Duckett.

“He’s definitely a man if he can make decisions like this,” Tico Duckett said. “I’m glad I didn’t have to make that decision.”

He said Duckett’s decision to leave early had nothing to do with money, rather it was a chance to continue doing what he does well at a higher level.

“I can tell you right now that T.J. is not at all money hungry,” Tico Duckett said. “He’s not poor, so he’s definitely not banking on the big check - he’s seriously just looking at the chance to play pro football.

“I’m happy for the kid.”

Staff writer Aaron Johnson contributed to this report.

Ryan Wallace can be reached at wallac89@pilot.msu.edu.