SAN FRANCISCO -- USC defensive end Everson Griffen intends to forgo his final year of eligibility and throw his name into the hat for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Griffen, an All-Pac-10 second team selection, informed Scott Wolf of the L.A. Daily News of his decision after the Trojans defeated Boston College, 24-13, in the Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound junior finished with 45 tackles this season, including 9.5 for losses.
Trojan wide receiver Damian Williams is also expected to bolt for the NFL, but didn’t wasn’t ready to make that announcement just yet.
“I’m just so happy with this victory and want to celebrate it with my teammates,” said Williams, who caught 12 passes for 189 yards versus the Eagles. “I’m going to fly back to Arkansas and talk with my parents and pray about it. As of now, I’m still a Trojan until I say otherwise.”
[Editor’s Note: For a complete listing of all eligible underclassmen who have officially declared for the draft, click HERE.]