USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and enter the NFL draft, according to Kyle Bonagura of ESPN.com.
Smith-Schuster is going out on top, as he caught seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in last week’s thrilling Rose Bowl, which ended in a 52-49 USC victory. He was a three-year starter for the Trojans, amassing 213 receptions for 3,092 yards and 25 touchdowns.
The 6-2, 220-pound wideout is the fourth-best receiver in this year’s draft class, according to ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. (Insider subscription required), and he is expected to be selected in the second half of the first round.
Smith-Schuster issued a statement on his Twitter account, which included the following:
“This was a very difficult decision to make. I have loved my time at USC and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Playing for USC was truly a dream come true, and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in three years.”
This year’s Rose Bowl champs have already seen guard Damien Mama declare for the draft, and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson may follow suit.
Interesting.