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Underclassmen Leaving News Links:Player is declaring early
03/13/2010 - Castille leaves NSU early to enter draft - Quentin Castille, the highly touted tailback who transferred to Northwestern State from Nebraska, has left the Demons, saying he plans to enter the NFL supplemental draft. Castille spent just one disappointing season at NSU, working mostly as a backup to William Griffin. Castille rushed for 349 yards -- averaging 3.3 yards a carry -- and one touchdown on 107 carries in 11 games. He also fumbled four times. "I can't really talk about the situation at Northwestern State," Castille said Friday when reached by phone. "I made the decision to leave. I think the best decision for me is to enter the draft." NSU coach Bradley Dale Peveto said Castille made the decision after the two of them met. "Quentin worked hard for us while he was here," Peveto said. "We enjoyed having him here. We respect his decision and wish him well in his NFL career." Castille arrived at NSU on Aug. 28, six days…READ MORE SOURCE: Randy Benson, The Town Talk
*Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee 2010 DS #1 FS, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/19/2010 - 53 non-seniors apply for draft - The expected heavy influx of non-seniors applying for this year's NFL draft did not happen despite looming labor unrest in the league. Although a record-tying 53 players declared for early entry, that number released Tuesday by the NFL was short of most projections. "I think that the colleges have really done a good job of telling these young men how it is to their advantage to stay in school," said NFL draft consultant Gil Brandt, who helped build the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s, '70s and '80s. "I thought there would be more and I was surprised." Six All-Americans did apply for the draft: defensive backs Eric Berry of Tennessee and Joe Haden of Florida; defensive end Derrick Morgan of Georgia Tech; tight end Aaron Hernandez of Florida; linebacker Rolando McClain of Alabama; and wide receiver Golden Tate of Notre Dame. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, also declared for April's draft, along with Mississippi quarterback Jevan Snead; Notre Dame quarterback…READ MORE SOURCE: AP Sports, CBS Sports
*Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina 2010 DS #8 DT, Projected Round(s): 2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/19/2010 - Joseph To Skip Senior Season - East Carolina junior defensive tackle Linval Joseph will forego his senior season and enter the 2010 National Football League Draft according to a confirmatory announcement by the league Tuesday. He was included among a list of 53 players released by the NFL who have been granted special eligibility for this year's draft, scheduled for April 22-24. Joseph met the league's three-year eligibility rule and submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility with the Pirates. The Santa Fe (Fla.) High School product was a two-time All-Conference USA performer who recorded 60 tackles this year - a team-high 13.0 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage for lost yardage. He was credited with five or more stops on six occasions and was the…READ MORE SOURCE: East Carolina, football
Junior Pirate Defensive Tackle's Decision To Enter 2010 NFL Draft Confirmed Tuesday
*Joe Haden, CB, Florida 2010 DS #1 CB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/18/2010 - Florida, USC hit hardest at draft deadline; Ohio St. fairly unscathed - Lost in the frenzy over last week's coaching carousel was the fact that Friday was the last day for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft. There were no bombshells like last year when stars such as Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Taylor Mays announced their return to school. If anything, most of the guys you assumed would turn pro, did turn pro; however, initial fears that the NFL's impending labor strife might prompt a mass exodus of draft entrants have proven false. As always, certain teams were hit heavier than others. A few borderline prospects made questionable decisions, and a few have the opportunity to dramatically improve their stock next season. All could have a direct impact on the 2010 college season. Florida: As if the start of the post-Tim Tebow (and possibly post-Urban Meyer) era wasn't daunting enough, the Gators lost…READ MORE SOURCE: Stewart Mandel, SI.com
*Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida 2010 DS #5 TE, Projected Round(s): 3 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/17/2010 - Going South Right Move For Camp Award Winner Hernandez - "Being around all these types of players — even though you're considered as one of them, you still look up to them," Hernandez said. "To be around all these athletes and meet so many new people, it's an honor to be here." Aaron's brother, D.J., who played quarterback and wide receiver at UConn in 2005-08, and his mother, Terri, were also in attendance. His father, Dennis, died four years ago on Jan. 6, the date Hernandez intentionally picked to make his draft announcement. "Being in a position to fulfill your dream and play in the NFL is just something I know he's worked really hard for, and I was really proud of him to take each step closer to reaching that dream," D.J. Hernandez said. Aaron Hernandez, who met with agents following the Sugar Bowl, hired David Dunn of Los Angeles-based Athletes First. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy also…READ MORE SOURCE: Zac Boyer, Hartford Courant
*Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State 2010 DS #1 WR, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2010 - Oklahoma St. WR Dez Bryant regrets lying to NCAA about visting Sanders house - Suspended Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant says he regrets lying to NCAA investigators about visiting the home of Deion Sanders. But he insists that Sanders is a mentor and did not influence him to sign with agent Eugene Parker, whom he met four weeks ago. "The way he (the NCAA investigator) was asking me, "Did I have any relationship with Deion Sanders?', he was making it seem like I did something wrong,'' Bryant said. "He asked me. "Did I go out to Deion Sanders' house?' I told him no, which I really did. And I came back and told him before it all blew all up that I had visited Deion Sanders' house. "I made a mistake because I lied. I regret what I did and I respect their (the NCAA's) decision.'' The NCAA suspended Bryant after just three games. He still managed to catch 17 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns…READ MORE SOURCE: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times
*Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona 2010 DS #2 TE, Projected Round(s): 2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2010 - Gronkowski Going Pro - University of Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski, who missed the 2009 season with a back injury, announced that he will forego his remaining eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. Gronkowski, a third-team AP All-American after a breakout 2008 sophomore season, injured his back shortly before the season began and did not play in 2009. He returned to a conditioning regimen about a month ago and has been cleared by a doctor to go full speed. "I'm ready. It was a difficult decision but I believe I'm ready for the next challenge," Gronkowski said. Gronkowski technically has two years of college eligibility left, considering 2009 as a redshirt year, although most UA observers expected him to enter the draft following the 2009 season. "I know this has been a big dream of his for a long time," said UA head coach Mike Stoops. "He certainly possesses the quality you need to play at the next level. It's a great opportunity for him. Hopefully he'll mend properly so he can showcase his extreme talents…READ MORE SOURCE: Arizona, football
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford 2010 DS #4 RB, Projected Round(s): 2 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/15/2010 - Toby Gerhart to Forego His Final Year of Eligibility to Enter NFL Draft - Stanford running back Toby Gerhart announced today he will forego his final year of collegiate eligibility in order to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Gerhart, who played in 38 career games from 2006-09, had the option of returning to Stanford as a fifth-year senior since he played in just one game as a sophomore in 2007 due to injury. He has also withdrawn from Stanford for the winter quarter in order to devote his time to prepare for NFL Combine in February. “After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from Stanford University for the winter quarter in order to fully devote my energies towards the pursuit of my dream of playing in the NFL,” said Gerhart. “While I certainly will miss patrolling left field on the Sunken Diamond or running through the gaping holes created by my O-linemen on the gridiron at Stanford Stadium…READ MORE SOURCE: Stanford, football
2009 Consensus All-American and Doak Walker Award Winner Finished Second in the Nation in Rushing Average as a Senior
*Chris Bell, WR, Norfolk State 2010 DS #47 WR, Projected Round(s): News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/14/2010 - NSU's Bell Forgoes Senior Season for NFL Draft - Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian announced on Thursday that junior wide receiver Chris Bell (Norfolk, Va.) has decided to forgo his senior season of eligibility and declare for the 2010 NFL Draft. “We wish Chris the best of luck with his professional career,” Adrian said. “We were happy to have him play here at NSU and we look forward to seeing him succeed at the next level.” Bell (6-3, 210) caught 51 passes for 958 yards and 13 touchdowns last season en route to first-team All-MEAC honors. The Penn State transfer led the MEAC and ranked 13th nationally in receiving yards per game (87.1). Bell’s 958 yards and 13 touchdowns are the third-best single-season marks in school history. “I am excited to take the next step in my football career,” Bell said. “I appreciate everything the people at NSU have done for me…READ MORE SOURCE: Norfolk State, Football
*Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 2010 DS #1 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/14/2010 - 'There's no doubt I made the right decision' - After the 2008 season, Sam Bradford was the Heisman Trophy winner and a projected No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. One year ago today, he announced he was putting the NFL on hold and returning to OU. Despite injuries that may have hurt his draft stock, Bradford says he's happy with his choice. A year ago today, Sam Bradford stood at the podium in OU's Memorial Stadium Club and spoke of his contentment and satisfaction with having decided to play another year at Oklahoma. The NFL scouting combine, the draft, mini-camps, contract negotiations, training camp, and the millions of dollars that go with it all for high first-round picks — it could all wait, Bradford said. He would be a Sooner in 2009. Now, with his shoulder twice wrecked and still on the mend, a question is speeding toward Bradford with each sunrise. Did he make the right decision? "There's no doubt I made…READ MORE SOURCE: John E. Hoover, Tulsa World
*Chris Bell, WR, Norfolk State 2010 DS #47 WR, Projected Round(s): News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/14/2010 - NSU wide receiver Bell to leave early for NFL - Norfolk State University junior wide receiver Chris Bell has decided to take his shot at the NFL a year early. “He has signed with an agent,” NSU coach Pete Adrian said this morning. “He’s up in New Jersey working out.” The Granby High graduate, who transferred from Penn State and played at NSU for two seasons, had a breakout season in 2009. He finished with 51 catches for 958 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was first-team All-MEAC, leading the league in receiving yards per game and TD receptions. Bell had previously said he was filing papers with the NFL, which allows underclassmen to ask a committee for a forecast of where he might be drafted. The committee deemed Bell as draftable, likely in the fifth to seventh rounds. “He’s 22 years old, ... and you never know…READ MORE SOURCE: The, Virginian-Pilot
*Kevin Basped, DE, Nevada 2010 DS #18 DE, Projected Round(s): 5-6 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/14/2010 - Nevada's Basped tests NFL waters - With the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft fast approaching, Nevada junior defensive end Kevin Basped has reportedly thrown his name in the ring. Basped, who had 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss this past season, will forgo his senior season and enter the draft, KOLO TV has reported. Wolf Pack spokesman Chad Hartley said the school has not heard from Basped, who is not due back on campus until Tuesday when the spring semester begins, and that he could not comment on the 6-foot-6, 240-pounder's status with the team. Basped, who had 19.5 sacks the past two seasons, is ranked as the 14th best defensive end by NFLdraftscout.com, likely slotting him as a mid- to late-round pick in the April draft. He has the prototypical body for an NFL defensive end and has been rated highly for his speed and quickness off the snap…READ MORE SOURCE: Chris Gabel, Reno Gazette-Journal
*Darius Marshall, RB, Marshall 2010 DS #29 RB, Projected Round(s): News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/13/2010 - Marshall blunders in reaching for NFL - It was the third consecutive day the two had met to discuss Marshall's future. Holliday did all he could to persuade Marshall to stay. He tried to save the young running back from making a grievous error. He tried to save Marshall from his own ego. But the running back's mind was made up. In fact, Marshall's mind was set on declaring on Monday. Schad got that part right. But what the ESPN twitter king didn't know was after listening to Holliday for an hour and a half, Marshall was confused and unsure of his decision. So, he agreed to sleep on it and meet with Holliday again at 4 p.m., Tuesday. The meeting never happened. It won't be Marshall's last no-show. The odds are against Marshall even being selected during the 2010 NFL Draft's seven rounds. Marshall doesn't believe that, obviously. How many young, starry-eyed football standouts would…READ MORE SOURCE: Chuck Landon, The Herald-Dispatch
*Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame 2010 DS #2 QB, Projected Round(s): 1 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/13/2010 - The Jimmy Clausen debate - Before I go onto discussing his deep passes, I want to briefly talk about mechanics. Clausen's throwing action is quite slingy with a low side arm release. Clausen is listed at 6'3". He doesn't look 6'3" on tape, but watching him stood next to 6'5" center Eric Olsen and 6'1" safety Kyle McCarthy for the coin toss - I think it's accurate. However, the ball is being released at around shoulder height. Compare this to Ryan Mallett, who at 6'7" releases the ball well over his head. The advantage of this is you avoid a lot of tipped passes. Mark Sanchez had a similar issue with a slingy release (although not as exaggerated as Clausen) and he made a big effort to show he'd corrected this at the USC pro-day last year…READ MORE SOURCE: Rob Staton, Seahawks Draft
*Clifton Geathers, DE, South Carolina 2010 DS #14 DE, Projected Round(s): 4-5 News/Story Tagged As: Underclassmen Leaving, Player is declaring early
01/12/2010 - Gamecocks' Geathers to enter NFL draft - “I don’t know why he would do that,” one veteran Gamecock told WIS-TV in Columbia, “but he’s gone.” He’s gone despite the fact that the NFL’s advisory board told Geathers - based on information from pro scouts - that he’d likely be picked between the fourth and seventh rounds. It’s possible that one team said it would give Geathers an extra-long look as the draft approaches. And that’s ostensibly the case because of Geathers’ family name. His brother, father and uncle play or have played in the NFL. USC coach Steve Spurrier has consistently said he expects players to return if they’re not going to be selected in the first couple of rounds. “Coach Spurrier said to the juniors to send your paperwork in, see how it looks,” Geathers said Dec. 16. “If you’re a first- or second-round pick, then leave. If you’re not, then stay.” That same day, Geathers seemed…READ MORE SOURCE: Travis Haney, The Post and Courier
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