Washington LB Shaq Thompson declares for 2015 NFL draft
Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson announced Monday that he will forego his senior year and enter the 2015 NFL draft.
A consensus first team All-American this season, Thompson also saw time at running back, scoring six total touchdowns between offense and defense. He won the Paul Hornung Award, given to the country's most versatile player.
Thompson had 81 tackles on defense and 456 rushing yards on offense.
• KING: Has Polamalu played his last game with Steelers?
"I feel that I have accomplished a lot here in these past three years, and I'm so thankful to everyone for helping me achieve my goals," Thompson said in a statement. "Now I'm looking forward to achieving a new set of goals, facing new challenges that come with being in the NFL. I'm excited to start the draft process, the next chapter in my life, but will forever and always be a Husky!"
"Shaq Thompson has been a wonderful representative of the University of Washington and the Husky football team, and he has our full support as he takes this important step," Washington coach Chris Petersen said. "I look forward to what's to come for him and to watching him embark on what will be a long, successful NFL career."
Thompson is regarded as one of the top linebackers available in the upcoming draft. SI.com's latest mock draft has him being selected with the No. 9 pick.
• BANKS: Reversed call casts shadow on wild-card round
Washington went 8-6 this season, finishing its year with a loss to Oklahoma State in the Cactus Bowl last Friday.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2015 draft is Jan. 15.
- Ben Estes
