Former A&M Linebacker Tyrel Dodson "content" with decision to leave school early.

With the Aggie defense looking to rebuild, a former starter is content with moving on.

COLLEGE SATION, Texas - It's not uncommon for highly touted prospects to leave school early and try their luck in the NFL Draft. Last season, 111 underclassmen set a new NFL record when they elected to forgo their eligibility and take a chance at the next level. 

Some players are lucky and become sought after prospects. Others will never hear their name called. No matter their draft status or selection point, any player can make a final 53-man roster with a quality offseason and progressive preseason. 

Former Texas A&M linebacker Tyrel Dodson believes he made the right call last January when he elected to forgo his senior season and declare for the draft. In an interview with Travis Brown of "The Eagle", Dodson stated he believes his talent will translate quick to the professional level. 

“I know I can play with the best of them,” Dodson said Tuesday according to Brown. 

Dodson fell in the majority category, failing to hear his name called in April's draft. As a free agent, he signed with the Buffalo Bills to compete for a position as the team's middle linebacker. 

A pivotal piece to A&M's defense, Dodson helped the Aggies finish with a 9-4 record during his junior year. In 13 games, he finished third in tackles with 61 total hits, three tackles for losses and three pass deflections. 

Now at the next level, Dodson hopes he can continue to build off his junior year and become a factor in some form with the Bills this season. 

“You have to come to work every day,” Dodson said. “I mean, these guys have families. These guys are trying to feed their families. And, you know, you have to come to work every day, because when you’re out on the field, you’re responsible for the team, and you got to have the team win. So if you’re not doing that, you’re taking money off what everyone else is playing.”

Dodson was one of four A&M underclassmen to declare early last season. Offensive lineman Erik McCoy (New Orleans Saints), tight end Jace Sternberger (Green Bay Packers) and running back Trayveon Williams (Cincinnati Bengals) all were selected last April. 

Dodson currently is listed as the Bills' third-team "MIKE" backer. Through two preseason games, the former Aggie has collected seven total tackles and seen plenty of playing time in the second half of games.