Declaring Juniors '09 Draft

LeSean Finally Officially Declares
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-69/Statements-from-McCoy-and-Wannstedt-on-NFL-decision.html
LeSean McCoy made it official today that he's leaving for the NFL draft. Here are the official statements from the Pitt star and his coach, Dave Wannstedt, about the decision:

McCoy:

"When I signed with Pitt out of prep school, I didn't know what to expect. I just knew in my heart that God had given me a second chance. As a result of a season-ending injury my senior year, I learned a humbling lesson. Nothing is promised to us and it can all be taken away in a moment.

"During my two years at Pitt, I have received an overwhelming amount of love and acceptance, starting from my first visit to the university all the way through the end of this season. I have been treated with respect, class and consideration. For that I am incredibly grateful.

"Recently there has been a lot of speculation regarding my decision to either stay in school or enter the NFL draft. I have frequently played both choices in my mind. I have considered my alternatives -- and I have prayed. I have made my final decision and will forego my junior season at the University of Pittsburgh to enter the NFL draft.

"I will always cherish the opportunity Pitt has given me. I wore No. 25 with pride and tried to represent my coaches, teammates, staff and Panther fans with class. I would like to thank everyone involved with the Pitt football program for a wonderful two years in Pittsburgh.

"On a personal note to coach Wannstedt: Thank you for your support, guidance and counsel. I take a part of you with me. Although I will be wearing a new jersey next season, I will forever be a Pitt Panther.

"One of my goals in coming here was to help my teammates and coaches bring Pitt back to its rightful place among the prominent teams in college football. We made big strides in that journey, and I believe coach Wannstedt, the coaching staff and my teammates will continue that upward climb next season and into the future.

"Hail to Pitt!"

Wannstedt:

"Four years ago I had the opportunity to watch a recruiting tape of a Harrisburg kid named LeSean McCoy. His tremendous talent was evident from the very first viewing and I said to our staff 'We have to get him to Pitt.'

"Of course, LeSean did end up at Pitt, a decision that has been a wonderful benefit to him, our football program and university.

"When you have exceptionally gifted players, you realize the NFL can be a reality sooner rather than later. Certainly that is the case with LeSean and we worked to make sure he had all the information needed to make the best decision about his pro prospects.

"LeSean ultimately has decided to enter the draft. While he had said earlier he would be returning to Pitt, I think during the past two weeks he finally had an opportunity to reflect on his opportunities. I know firsthand how enticing the NFL can be for young men, both financially and from the standpoint of realizing a lifelong dream of playing pro football. I told LeSean he would always have our support and we wish him only the very, very best."

Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline to enter NFL draft


COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Ohio State receiver Brian Hartline is skipping his final year of eligibility and joining teammate Chris (Beanie) Wells in declaring for the NFL draft.

Hartline said Wednesday that he looks forward to testing himself as a professional. He had 90 catches for 1,449 yards and 13 touchdowns during his Ohio State career, and is expected to graduate in June with a communications degree.

Wells, a running back, declared for the draft last week.

Buckeyes safety Kurt Coleman said Wednesday that he plans to return for his senior year.

Coleman had 78 tackles and four interceptions during last year's 10-3 season. He said he wants to finish his degree in sport and leisure studies.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=3831968&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

LaFell leaves Scott, Black to stay at LSU

LSU is losing one of its top offensive weapons to the NFL, but getting another back for 2009.

Junior wide receiver Brandon LaFell will enter the NFL draft, two people close to LaFell told ESPN's Joe Schad on Wednesday.

But running back Charles Scott and offensive lineman Ciron Black will return to school for their senior seasons and putting off the NFL.
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"The team really needs me and Ciron and the other seniors to be leaders on this team," Scott said. "We've been to the mountain top with winning a national championship and then last year was a disappointment. We have to show the young guys what it takes."

LaFell had 63 catches for 929 yards and eight touchdowns this season, averaging 14.7 yards per catch.

Scott ran for 1,174 yards, the fifth-best mark in school history and 18 touchdowns in 2008.

Black has been the starting left offensive tackle for the past three years. He has started 40 consecutive games for LSU.

"It's really good for me to come back," Black said. "I'm really close to graduating. I also have a lot more to do in college. I have to be more of a leader. Both of us have a lot we need to do. We want to be real leaders."

Former LSU stars LaRon Landry and Glenn Dorsey elected to return for their senior seasons and ended up being top-five NFL draft picks.

"Historically, the guys who chose to come back all have had greater years," LSU coach Les Miles said. "They come back with a purpose. We're thrilled that Ciron and Charles are coming back. That tells me we'll have great leaders. The guys who will be wearing the helmets for LSU have been in the trenches."

The NFL advisory board gave Black a higher grade than Scott, but Black said he felt it was better for him to return to school for his final year.

"It was late first or early second round. It's still much more of a gamble. You don't know who's coming out at that time when you get the grade and you don't know what teams need," he said.

Scott was not projected to go on the first day of the NFL draft and that, coupled with his academic status, helped him choose to return to the Tigers program.

"I received a third-round grade," Scott said. "I just have to work on getting better at everything. I also found out that I'm 30 hours away from graduating. That was real big in my decision."