It was widely believed that, of the handful of draft-eligible Florida Gators thinking about leaving school early, cornerback Joe Haden and tight end Aaron Hernandez were the two most likely to head off for NFL riches.
Haden made official his decision to leave early this past Sunday. This evening, Hernandez has followed suit.
In a statement, the Gators’ leading receiver announced he was foregoing his senior season in Gainesville.
“It is really special for me to take this first step toward my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL on the fourth anniversary of my father’s passing,” Hernandez said. “I know he would be proud of not only me, but of my whole family, whose love and support are the only reasons I am where I am today.”
Most draftniks expect Hernandez to be the second TE taken in the draft, behind fellow junior Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma.
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