Who Passed Up the NFL Draft to Play Senior Year?
The deadline for declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone, leaving plenty of stars in college football for the upcoming season. Some of those players could be playing their last season in school before adding a few zeros to the old bank account this time next year.
Some of these players, like Miami (FL) quarterback D’Eriq King and Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave, passed up that opportunity this year for another run at college glory. Others, including North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell and Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible to make the jump for the first time after this season.
While those guys decided to #RunItBack for the 2021-2022 season. Former high school stars from the State of Florida like St. Thomas Aquinas teammates Patrick Surtain II, Asante Samuel Jr., Champagnat Catholic alum Gregory Rousseau, American Heritage alum Tyson Campbell, and Booker T. Washington’s Alex Leatherwood are just a few of the future NFL’ers representing Florida in the 2021 NFL Draft on April 29.
Over the last five years alone, the state of Florida has owned the first round of the NFL Draft by having 25 players get drafted, while the next closest state is Texas with 15, California with 14, and Georgia with 13, respectfully.
Florida will have a chance to pad that lead with at least four players from the state projected to go in the first Round. Florida as a state once again looks to claim the title of NFL U., after already being considered one of the top three recruiting grounds for high school football.
Written by: Jacquez McCoy
