The NFL Draft looms large in college football’s offseason. Who will go, who will stay is always a concern for fans. It’s a popular point of interest from the end of the bowl season to the January 14th deadline for underclassmen to declare.
At Auburn, quarterback Jarrett Stidham, cornerback Jamel Dean, and wide receiver Darius Slayton have all announced they will enter the draft. Slayton’s announcement Friday was a bit of a surprise. But perhaps the biggest surprise came yesterday when Tiger defensive lineman Derrick Brown told fans he would return for another year.
With the birth of his son coming just days before the Music City Bowl, many expected him to leave for the pros. It’s hard to imagine the draft waters being any warmer for him than this year. If he dove in, he was expected to be a solid first round pick with at least one prognosticator postulating he could go as high as the 4th overall pick.
One of the most touted prospects in this spring’s draft class, he totaled 9 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks in 14 games during 2017. This year he finished with 10 1/2 tackles for loss and had 4 1/2 sacks in 13 games.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound All-SEC defensive lineman has a chance to be among the top 10 picks in this spring’s draft. No one would blame him if decided to leave early for the NFL.
However, it appears his love for Auburn is greater than the allure of fame and fortune. The possibility of injury or lowering his NFL stock with another year of college ball is a risk he’s willing to take.
We shouldn’t be surprised. Auburn has a way of causing people to fall in love with her. That’s particularly true of those who are fortunate enough to wear the orange and blue. And Derrick Brown is no exception to that rule. On Sunday he made the following announcement via Instagram.
The last three years have been amazing. Auburn has become a second home for me. Nothing compares to Saturdays in Jordan-Hare. Seeing the fans down Tiger Walk, running out of the tunnel with my teammates and singing the fight song after a big win. This place is truly special.
After talking with my family and coaches I have decided to return to Auburn for my final season. I want to leave Auburn with my degree and a championship. I can feel the momentum.
War Eagle Derrick. May all your dreams come true!
The post Derrick Brown Foregoes NFL Draft – Says Auburn is a Special Place appeared first on Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog.
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