Although he had a pretty good season for Auburn in 2015 as a redshirt sophomore, Peyton Barber wasn't one of the more notable names at running back in college football. So it was a bit surprising that he decided to declare for the NFL draft as an underclassman earlier this year.
During an NFL combine press conference on Wednesday, Barber explained the reasoning for his decision: He declared early for the draft because his mother is currently homeless and was hoping to help her out.
"I don't know if anybody really knows, my mom, she's homeless right now, so it's kind of doing it for her," Barber said to reporters. "Right now, she's staying with my sister. It's her and her three kids staying in an apartment back home."
Peyton's mother, Lori, is grateful for her son's decision.
"It touches my heart that he feels so deeply about wanting to take care of me," Lori Barber told AL.com. "Peyton is very quiet ... I had no idea he was feeling that strongly as he was feeling until he decided to come out [for the draft]."
Peyton rushed for over 1,000 yards and had 13 touchdowns during the 2015 campaign for Auburn.
According to CBS Sports' draft board, he is currently ranked as the 24th best running back and is projected to either be selected in the seventh round or signed as an undrafted free agent.
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