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Underclassmen Leaving News Links:Player is declaring early
Vaughn Martin, DT, Western Ontario 2009 DS #28 DT, Projected Round(s): News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
02/19/2009 - Western's Martin declares for 2009 NFL Draft - Western Mustangs defensive lineman Vaughn Martin has declared his eligibility for the 2009 National Football League draft. Martin, 22, is one of 61 underclassmen who have declared for the late-April draft. Represented by former Mustang receiver Matt Baxter as his agent with Enter-Sports Management of Atlanta, Martin and the staff with the Western Mustangs have sent film to 24 of the NFL's 32 teams. He will hold pro days in Windsor, Ont., and London, Ont., in March, allowing scouts an opportunity to evaluate him. "This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I want to give it my best," Martin said. "We'll see what happens. I'll either be back at Western next season for a run at the Vanier Cup or in the NFL." Martin is not eligible for the Canadian Football League draft until 2011. Martin said he plans to train in Atlanta as soon as the school year is over, and that he will either be playing in the NFL or be back at Western next season, depending on the outcome of the draft…READ MORE SOURCE: University Sports, Canada
*Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia 2009 DS #1 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
02/1/2009 - Leaving was 'the toughest decision of my life' - "I appreciate the Athens Banner-Herald providing this chance to express my thanks to the Athens community and everyone else who was always there to give me and my teammates support over the last three seasons. I made the decision fairly early in high school that I would be leaving Texas to attend the University of Georgia. The coaching staff, former and current players, alumni, the people of Athens and my sister Page all convinced me that Athens was the place for me. And looking back, they were exactly right. Not only did I make many friends who I know I will have forever, but I know I will always be able to call Athens home, no matter how old I am or where I'm living. There's nothing in the world like looking around the stadium in places like Tempe (Ariz.), Jacksonville and Baton Rouge and seeing tons of fans in red and black cheering as loud as they can. To play for a school, as well as a town and state, that gives undying support for the Bulldogs was an unbelievable and inspiring thing…READ MORE SOURCE: Athens, Banner-Herald
*Maurice Evans, DE, Penn State 2009 DS #33 DE, Projected Round(s): News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/22/2009 - Evans ready for NFL challenge - His entry into the NFL Draft was unheralded, quiet, rather subdued. While fans and others have questioned Maurice Evans’ departure from Penn State and attempt to make it at the next level, Evans himself has been in Lancaster working out with teammates. Away from distractions, away from pomp and circumstance of other draft entries. Evans spoke for nearly 20 minutes to a trio of beat reporters at Power Train, a workout facility near Millersville University. He is living with former PSU teammates Tyrell Sales and Josh Gaines who are also working out at the facility. Blue chip prospect Aaron Maybin is present as is fullback Dan Lawlor. Power Train, run by Steve Saunders, has a client list of current NFL players including James Harrison and Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers and it’s also a stop for…READ MORE SOURCE: Eric Thomas,
*Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon 2009 DS #8 CB, Projected Round(s): 2-3 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/19/2009 - Bye Bye Byrd - Cornerback Jairus Byrd has stuck by his decision to enter the NFL Draft and forgo his senior season at the University of Oregon. As an underclassman, Byrd had a 36-hour window to withdraw his name from consideration after his formal submission - a process teammate Patrick Chung used last year before opting to return for his senior campaign. Byrd's final game as a Duck was a memorable one as he earned defensive MVP honors in Oregon's Holiday Bowl victory over then-No. 13 Oklahoma State. In that game, Byrd intercepted his 17th pass as a collegian to finish his career one shy of George Shaw (1951-54) on the UO career list…READ MORE SOURCE: Oregon, football
*Cameron Morrah, TE, California 2009 DS #9 TE, Projected Round(s): 5 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/19/2009 - Cameron Morrah Declares for NFL Draft - California tight end Cameron Morrah announced Monday that he will forego his senior season with the Golden Bears and enter 2009 NFL Draft. Morrah, who stands 6-4, 245 pounds and started all 13 games this past year, tied for the second on the team with 27 catches for 326 yards. He caught eight touchdown passes in 2008 to set a Cal season record for tight ends. Morrah finished his Golden Bear career with 19 starts in 33 games, totaling 41 receptions for 484 yards and 10 scores. "We work with NFL candidates to educate them on their prospects for the draft as well as the benefits for staying in college," head coach Jeff Tedford said. "I don't necessarily agree with the decision, but I am supportive of Cameron and hope that he is successful at the next level." Morrah opened the 2008 campaign against Michigan State when he hauled in five passes for 93 yards, which included a career-long 50 yard catch plus a four-yard TD reception. He later put together a streak of five consecutive games with a score against Maryland, Colorado State, Arizona State, Arizona and UCLA…READ MORE SOURCE: Cal, football
*Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal 2009 DS #2 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/17/2009 - Sanchez shows no fear of Lions - For Sanchez, the moment was all about a young boy's dreams of one day getting an opportunity to play in the NFL. He'll graduate this spring. He'll be no worse than the second quarterback selected in the draft. He has got millions of dollars awaiting him with just the easy stroke of a pen, so why not leave now and live the dream? But what happens if ... I asked Sanchez if during his decision process was there any trepidation of the Lions making him the first pick overall. And, of course, I was obligated to educate the young man on the organization's poisonous culture -- particularly as it pertains to quarterbacks drafted in the first round. It's a public service. It didn't matter. The kid was oblivious. "It would just be a dream to fulfill my lifelong wish of playing quarterback in the NFL, wherever it is," he said. Even in Detroit? "They're an NFL team," he said…READ MORE SOURCE: Drew Sharp, The Detroit Free Press
*Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois 2009 DS #3 CB, Projected Round(s): 1-2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/16/2009 - Smaller Than Expected Class of Underclassmen - Players have through Sunday to remove their names from the draft list if they have not hired an agent. If the number holds at 41, it will be the second-fewest underclassmen available for the draft in the last eight years. In 2007, there were 40. It was far from the flood that was expected last month, when concerns about the N.F.L. labor agreement were expected to prompt a record number of early applicants. There had been talk that a rookie wage scale, similar to what the N.B.A. has instituted, would be in place for next year’s draft to keep rookie salaries down. And if the owners opt out of their agreement with the players without a new one being negotiated, the requirement for reaching free agency would extend to six years from four. But in late December, Commissioner Roger Goodell said a rookie wage…READ MORE SOURCE: Billy Witz, The NY Times
*Donald Washington, CB, Ohio State 2009 DS #13 CB, Projected Round(s): 3 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/16/2009 - Washington pleased with his decision - "The biggest thing with Donald is his stock will rise after he goes to the combine. His combine numbers last year were off the charts," said Scheib, referring to the on-campus combine-like drills major programs run to have their players ready for the NFL version. "Whatever they say prior to the combine will be much different than what they say after the combine." At 6-0, 194 pounds, Washington is nearly identical in size to Colts defensive back Kelvin Hayden (6-0, 195), who just finished his fourth NFL season. Washington was suspended for the first two games this year by Ohio State for undisclosed reasons, a topic he's ready to address if NFL teams ask. "I'll be honest and admit I made a mistake," he said. "That's the only way you can handle it. The best thing to do is just be honest." Washington will graduate in June with a degree…READ MORE SOURCE: Jeff Rabjohns, The Indy Star
*Andre Smith, OT, Alabama 2009 DS #3 OT, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/16/2009 - Smith picks up his Outland Trophy - Which team might draft him? Will he be the first selected? Those questions can wait, Smith said. He was too busy enjoying the moment. "Ever since I've been playing football," he said, "I've always wanted to win this award." Smith had the Outland Trophy in hand Thursday, a memorable ending to a collegiate career that ended one game earlier than he would have liked. The three-year starter and consensus All-American was suspended for the Sugar Bowl for improper dealings with an agent. And Smith's team suffered, managing just 31 rushing yards in a 31-17 upset loss to Utah. "It hurt, watching my team go out there competing with me not being able to," Smith said. "But I talked to the guys after the game. Everything's well. All is well." Alabama coach Nick Saban might be thinking a little differently, considering the fact that he has to find a way to replace the future pro lineman. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Smith missed just two games in three seasons and was the team's offensive player of the year in 2008. He helped set the tone for the 12-2 year. "We knew that we could do it just by us going out there…READ MORE SOURCE: Jon Nyatawa, Omaha World-Herald
*LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh 2009 DS #4 RB, Projected Round(s): 2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/16/2009 - LeSean McCoy and the American way - It comes as no surprise that University of Pittsburgh football running back LeSean McCoy is willing to take his chances. A gravy train the likes his family has never seen has pulled into the station. The 20-year-old Harrisburg native is smart enough to know he could sit in first class now or possibly have to stand in coach later. Understandably, his family wants him to get his ticket punched now. The difference between being a first-round and second-round draft pick could be as much as $20 million. In an economy that hurts as much as this one, the logic isn't hard to grasp. Still, Mr. McCoy seems to have genuinely agonized over his decision. Pitt has been good for him and to him. To its credit, Pitt recognized his potential early on and recruited him despite a leg injury he sustained during his senior year of high school. It was a gamble that turned out well for both. With 308 carries for 1,488 yards and 21 touchdowns, Mr. McCoy is currently ranked second in the NCAA in scoring and 10th in rushing yards per game…READ MORE SOURCE: Tony Norman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
*Percy Harvin, WR, Florida 2009 DS #4 WR, Projected Round(s): 1-2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2009 - Harvin says he's headed to NFL - Percy Harvin, the explosive Florida star from Landstown High School, has always done things in fast forward. It's no surprise then that, on Thursday, Harvin announced his blink-and-it's-over college career is done a year early. Harvin will forgo his senior season - where he just helped the Gators win their second national title in his three years there - and opt for April's NFL draft. One popular mock draft, at nfldraftcountdown.com, projects him to be selected at the end of the first round. Scout's Inc. rates him the No. 24 player available. Chris Beatty, Harvin's high school coach at Lands-town and now an assistant at West Virginia, said he wasn't surprised by the decision. "To me, he could've come out last year if they would've let him," Beatty said. "I think he's ready. Everybody's got different situations, but when you're ready to go - because you don't have that many snaps in you - it's time to go. There's not much more…READ MORE SOURCE: Kyle Tucker, The Virginian-Pilot
*Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal 2009 DS #2 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2009 - Sanchez picks his own play - Mark Sanchez graciously departed. Pete Carroll awkwardly bid him farewell. And a young crop of quarterbacks enthusiastically embraced a newfound opportunity. Such were the events on a day of emotion and transition at USC. While fighting back tears, Sanchez – the all-Pac-10 quarterback from Mission Viejo High – announced Thursday he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL draft. Sanchez is projected as a first-round pick. However, as a redshirt junior with only one full season as a starter, he is going against recent draft history that suggests seasoned senior quarterbacks have a better chance of succeeding. That track record, among other things, was the reason Carroll fought into the wee hours of Thursday morning to change Sanchez’s mind. Carroll met with Sanchez four times in all and didn’t return home from Sanchez’s apartment Thursday until 1:30 a.m. “The information, from our perspective, was compelling for him to stay. But he wanted to go for it,” Carroll said Thursday afternoon, several hours after he and Sanchez had addressed the media at news conference. “The other side of it…READ MORE SOURCE: Michael Lev, The OC Register
The Mission Viejo quarterback exits, Carroll objects and new quarterbacks emerge on a day of transition.
*Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon 2009 DS #8 CB, Projected Round(s): 2-3 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2009 - Byrd submits papers to enter NFL draft - University of Oregon junior cornerback Jairus Byrd has submitted papers to formally enter the National Football League’s draft and forego his final year of eligibility but said he will use the next few days to re-evaluate that decision. Under NFL rules, players declaring early for the draft have 72 hours to withdraw their intent and remain in school, providing they do not enter into an agreement or retain the services of an agent. The 72-hour window officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday. If he stands by his original decision, Byrd would become Oregon’s second player in as many years to exit early for the NFL draft, and the program’s sixth player in seven seasons. Running back Jonathan Stewart left for the NFL early last year and was taken with the 13th pick in the first round by Carolina…READ MORE SOURCE: Statesman, Journal
*Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal 2009 DS #2 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2009 - NFL coming-out party no fun for college fans - The NFL's annual coming-out party is always a lousy event for a few dozen college football coaches and more than a few fans, and this one seemed lousier than most. It didn't help that the college game lost two of its biggest stars on the same day, glamour-boy quarterback Matt Sanchez of Southern California and all-purpose back Percy Harvin of Florida, nor that those two were just a fraction of what is likely to be the biggest exodus of underclassman ever. But people, take a deep breath and relax. We're still talking about five dozen kids or so, and while that number has been steadily rising, we'll never see them exiting the way their counterparts in basketball routinely do now. That's because they're just that, kids, and as the guys already holding those jobs in the NFL never tire of reminding people, pro football is a game played by men. "Think about this right off the bat," San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said Thursday. "We've got four preseason games, 16 in the regular season and if you're lucky enough to be on a playoff team, you're approaching double the number of games you've played…READ MORE SOURCE: The Associated Press, ESPNU
*Donald Washington, CB, Ohio State 2009 DS #13 CB, Projected Round(s): 3 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2009 - Washington Going To NFL Draft - Defensive back Donald Washington announced this morning that he will enter his name into the 2009 National Football League draft. A statement from Washington: “I’m very excited to take the next step and pursue my dream of playing in the National Football League, but it has been a difficult and emotional decision. “I thank Coach Tressel and all those within the OSU football program for creating such a terrific environment for me to succeed both athletically and academically. I have had tremendous experiences at Ohio State and at Franklin Central High School with Coach Lance Scheib, who continues to be an integral part of my life. “I will especially, and most importantly, miss all of my teammates and brothers. I wish them nothing but…READ MORE SOURCE: Ohio State, football
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