Just a couple days after Indiana running back Jordan Howard announced he'd forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft, Indiana defensive lineman Darius Latham did the same thing.
Latham announced Wednesday that he will also be foregoing his senior year to pursue a career in the NFL.
Latham was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection this season after recording 33 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also blocked a pair of kicks this season and grabbed an interception in Indiana's Pinstripe Bowl loss to Duke last weekend.
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In 35 career games, Latham tallied 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
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"Playing in the NFL has been a dream of mine, and I will put in the work and effort to make this dream come true.
"Thank you to my parents and my family for their assistance during this process. Your prayers and support mean everything to me. You will always serve as my motivation, and without you I would not be in the position I am in right now.
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"I am especially thankful for the opportunity to have played and learned from coach (Kevin) Wilson. He and the coaching staff not only made me a better player but were focused on me as a complete person. I would also like to thank (strength and conditioning coach Mark) Hill and the strength and conditioning team for helping me to get stronger and faster and Christa Sist in academics for keeping me focused and on top of my work.
"I chose IU over other colleges because it was home, and I believed in what we could build here. We accomplished some good things, and I will miss playing with my family, especially my D-line brothers. Indiana University is a special place, and I am grateful to be a Hoosier for life. Go IU!"