A pair of junior cornerbacks from the SEC will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Florida cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy told Joe Schad of ESPN that he will be going pro. With Florida not eligible for a bowl game this year, the 6-foot-1 Purifoy can begin the offseason training process immediately.
Purifoy didn't have the season that many expected, posting 24 tackles, seven pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He was suspended for Florida's season opener against Toledo and battled injuries throughout the season. He is currently rated as our No. 9 cornerback prospect.
South Carolina's Victor Hampton also told reporters he was entering the draft. Hampton was a two-year starter at South Carolina. He finished this season with 45 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He is currently our No. 27 cornerback.
Hampton is the first of a few South Carolina underclassmen defenders expected to go pro early. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been expected to enter the draft since before the season started. Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles said after having 2.5 sacks against Clemson on Saturday that he expects to go pro depending on the grade he receives.
There are currently seven underclassmen who have said they are turning pro. They are:
Chris Boyd, WR, Vanderbilt
Isaiah Crowell, RB, Alabama State
Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Victor Hampton, CB, South Carolina
Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon
Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Last season, 77 underclassmen were in the NFL Draft. Seventeen went undrafted. The deadline for players eligible to enter is Jan. 15.
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