Field Level Media
14 Jan 2022, 01:49 GMT+10
Three key players off Alabama's College Football Playoff finalist team say they are entering the NFL draft.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams, offensive tackle Evan Neal and defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis all announced they won't return to Tuscaloosa for the 2022 season.
Williams made his announcement Thursday at the end of a highlight-reel video he posted to his Instagram account.
"Bama fans, thank y'all for welcoming me and making Tuscaloosa home for me and my family," he posted, in part. "With all that being said, I am starting the next chapter and taking my talents to the 2022 NFL Draft."
Williams, a junior, had been viewed as a first-round pick before Monday's national championship game, in which he sustained a knee injury. ESPN reported he tore the ACL in his left knee during the 33-18 Georgia victory.
The receiver played one season at Alabama after transferring from Ohio State. He led the Crimson Tide with 79 receptions for 1,572 yards, scoring 15 touchdowns and averaging 104.8 yards per game over 15 games.
Another junior, Neal also declared for the draft on Thursday after a big season that saw him earn All-America honors. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists the 360-pound left tackle as the top offensive tackle in the draft.
"It's been a hell of a ride Bama nation! Now it's on to the next chapter," he posted to Twitter. "Roll tide forever!!"
Mathis announced Wednesday that he was giving up his final year of eligibility. The 6-foor-4 lineman had 53 tackles (12 for loss) nine sacks, six quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Kiper lists him as the No. 5 defensive tackle available.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More InformationFRESNO, California: Fresno State suspended two of its top men's basketball players last weekend and removed a third player from the...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Victor Hedman and Jake Guentzel had two goals and one assist apiece as the Tampa...
(Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) LeBron James scored 34 points on a milestone night and Luka Doncic added 30 points and...
(Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) Kevin Durant scored 19 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns overcame...
(Photo credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images) Jared Spurgeon, Mats Zuccarello and Frederick Gaudreau each had a goal and an assist and...
(Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) LeBron James scored 34 points on a milestone night and Luka Doncic added 30 points and...
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) The New Orleans Saints released running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday, reportedly...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Seattle Seahawks released offensive tackle George Fant, outside linebacker Dre'Mont...
(Photo credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) The 4 p.m. ET deadline came and went Tuesday with only...
(Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images) Shedeur Sanders' status as the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft has been...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and star Saquon Barkley have agreed to a...
(Photo credit: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) The New York Jets have officially released Davante...