Aldon Smith to enter NFL Draft
Sophomore defensive end Aldon Smith has decided to enter the 2011 NFL Draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility at Missouri.
Smith excelled with the Tigers last season, earning 1st team Freshman All-American honors, along with Big 12 Conference Defensive Freshman and Newcomer of the Year. The Raytown native also set a school record with 11.5 sacks in his freshman campaign. The 6-5, 260 pound Smith played 10 games in 2010, racking up 48 tackles an 5.5 sacks. Smith was named to the All-Big 12 1st team by coaches this season.
“I want to thank everyone at Mizzou for supporting me,” Smith said. “The coaches, our fans and alumni, everyone has been great, and they’ve definitely helped me get to this point. It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember to play in the NFL, so this is something I’m really excited for.”
Coach Gary Pinkel was happy for his star defensive end, supporting his decision to enter the NFL draft.
“There’s no question that Aldon is one of the most gifted atheletes in the country at his position,” Pinkel said. “We’d love to have the chance to coach him longer, but we’re 100 percent behind him and supportive with this decision. Aldon gave us three outstanding years, and it’s going to be exciting to watch him in the pros, because his best football is ahead of him.”
Smith’s 17 career sacks rank 6th all time at Missouri despite only playing two years. Smith joins junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who declared for the NFL Draft earlier this week. Gabbert’s stock rose with the announcement that Stanford’s junior quarterback Andrew Luck will return for his senior year. Luck was projected to be the first quarterback selected, and his absence will open the door for Gabbert to potentially climb the draft board.