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Three Alabama underclassmen are heading to the NFL. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, running back T.J. Yeldon, and safety Landon Collins all announced today that they would be entering the 2015 NFL Draft.
This news should come as no surprise to Bama fans. All-Americans Cooper and Collins are projected to be picked in the first round and possibly be among the first eight players selected. Yeldon likely goes in the second or third round.
Amari Cooper finishes his Alabama career with several school records including his 228 receptions, 3,463 yards, and 31 touchdowns. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and the winner of the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver.
It seems like only yesterday that Landon Collins was making his verbal commitment to the Tide on live TV during the 2012 Under Armour Game. He was named a unanimous All-American for 2014 at safety. Collins made some big hits in the secondary and on special teams.
Yeldon finishes his three years at the Capstone with 3,322 rushing yards (fifth in school history) and 37 TDs (third) on the ground. He added 46 catches for 494 more yards and two more scores including a memorable one against LSU in 2012:
A silver lining to losing Yeldon might be that it could influence 5-star running back Damien Harris to commit to Bama (his announcement is coming tomorrow. We will have full coverage). There is no word on any other Alabama players as of post time.
These three young men helped bring Alabama's 15th national championship with their exciting play and inspirational work ethic. We will miss them and wish them the best of luck at the next level and beyond.