On the final day for players to officially commit to the April 2010 draft, two more underclassmen have made official their decision to forego a final season of collegiate eligibility.
As has been expected, tight end Rob Gronkowski announced this afternoon that he’s leaving Arizona for the NFL.
“The hardest part about leaving is leaving the U of A family here at Arizona,” Gronkowski said in a press conference announcing his departure. “My teammates are unbelievable. I had a great relationship with many players. I’m going to miss them all. I’m going to be in touch with them all. I really wish I could have done more for the team. It was really frustrating sitting on the sidelines with an injury. It wasn’t what I expected.”
Even though he missed the entire 2009 season with a back injury, the 6-6, 265-pound TE is still expected to be one of the first players at his position taken in the draft.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the draft spectrum is SMU’s Shawnbrey McNeil. Although he’s expected to be, at best, a middle-round draft pick, the running back decided it was best for his family to leave school early.
McNeil, a Miami transfer, rushed for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also caught 31 passes for nearly 300 yards and two receiving TDs.
Gronkowski and McNeil become the 54th and 55th players with eligibility remaining to declare for the upcoming draft. And we knew that because we clicked HERE.