Not every top prospect entering NFL Draft

by Dan Kadar on Dec 22, 2009 8:25 AM EST in 2010 NFL Draft

With all the news being on who is entering the April draft, there are some players who have decided to stay in school for another year.

Miami defensive lineman Allen Bailey said he is 100 percent certain he'll return to school.

"I’m going to stay," Bailey said. "That’s all. We have a good shot next year to go all the way. It looks good."

Bailey led the Hurricanes in sacks with seven and tackles for a loss with 11. He's an incredibly intriguing player who started his career at linebacker. He transitioned to defensive end before settling this season at defensive tackle. In that position, he's a great gap shooter. His agility and speed at tackle proved to be an asset.

Perhaps the top 3-4 defensive end in the nation also says he'll be back for his senior year. That would be Iowa's Adrian Clayborn. The junioer has had a sensational breakthrough season with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss.

"It just came down to … I think I could be ready for the NFL, but I just don’t want to leave yet. I still have stuff to prove in college," Clayborn told reporters.

North Carolina outside linebacker Bruce Carter will also return for his senior year. There is speculation that Carter will reverse his decision, but he sounded pretty certain about returning saying, "I made up my mind a long time ago, I want to graduate and get my degree."

Of course, Carter, Clayborn and Bailey have until Jan. 15 to change their minds.

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Surprised Bailey's not declaring

If he and Clayborn can both have the same kind of season in 2010 that they had this year, you have to think they’re both top 10 prospects in 2011. Top 25 at the outside.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 22, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions

I think Clayborn has a great shot to replicate or top last year if he stays healthy

Iowa returns the entire DL, if Spievey stays they’ll return the whole secondary. They lose two very good LBs but their replacements looked great in the limited time they saw.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

It's shocking how much can slip your perception

Even your eyes lie

by shake n bake on Dec 22, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of people not declaring...

…has anyone heard anything about the decisions of Earl Thomas and Brian Price? I’ve read articles both indicating they were leaning towards returning to Texas and UCLA.

by Raybin on Dec 22, 2009 9:39 AM EST reply actions

No word on Thomas. At the beginning of the month there were indications he would return. Now there are rumors out there he’s going to go pro.

As of late last week, Price was still in the decision-making process.

Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 22, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

It's all about the U!

National Title next season! Woohoo! Lol. I’m so glad Bailey is returning to school. It’s not as if he was going to be a legit first or second rounder anyways. Because he’s staying, he might have a better shot at going in the first round next season.

by JP 23 on Dec 22, 2009 10:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions