Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy officially joins 2012 NFL Draft class

by Dan Kadar on Jan 5, 2012 2:21 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

There was speculation the past two days that Michigan State junior defensive tackle Jerel Worthy was set to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. He made that speculation reality at a news conference today.

According to most reports, Worthy was going back and forth on his decision the past few days. He received plenty of encouragement from head coach Mark Dantonio.

My job is to win football games but also to help people grow on and off the football field," Dantonio said via Michigan State's student newspaper the State News.

Worthy struggled at the beginning of the season and questions arose about his work ethic and attitude on the field. But as the season progressed, Worthy showed the ability to take on blockers and penetrate gaps. He'll be one of the better all-around defensive tackles in this year's draft.

Worthy finished the season with 10.5 tackles for loss and was a Big Ten first-team member this season.

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Stephen Hill from GT just declared, though he hasn't hired an agent yet per AJC

Huge mistake by Hill, but some guys are very confident that they will be stars at the next level since they have had success at every level so far. Wish him the best but if he stays in the draft, he will not be thrilled with the results.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 5, 2012 5:28 PM EST reply actions

He won’t get any better in that offense. Smart move by him, if you ask me.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Jan 5, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

I would disagree

He won’t put up huge stats, but the highlights speak for themselves. Demaryius Thomas might not have been the best route runner leaving college, but he knew how to block, how to win a battle in man coverage, and how to beat a guy in the open field. Hill has very questionable hands, and while he might have the physical tools, until he gains the mental aspect of the game, which another year of college would have helped, he won’t amount to much of anything in the pros.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 6, 2012 2:32 AM EST up reply actions