University of Miami junior offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will enter the NFL draft, as Matt Fortuna of ESPN.com writes. Flowers projects as a first-round pick and ESPN’s Todd McShay has him going No. 12 overall in his latest mock.
“I could not be happier for Ereck and his family as he prepares to live out his life-long dream of playing in the National Football League,” Miami coach Al Golden said in a press release. “Ereck has made a lot of sacrifices to put himself in this position. He loves football and the competition. I am really proud of him for the maturity and professionalism he displayed throughout this entire process — he is truly making an educated decision and one that is best for he and his family.”
The 6-6, 330-pound tackle started eleven games for the Hurricanes this season, leading an offensive line that helped pave the way for school all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson, who has also declared for the 2015 draft. Flowers spoke with Larry Blustein of the Miami Herald about what went into his decision to go pro.
“I have done everything that I can in college as a football player, and now it’s time to take that next step,” Flowers said. “I believe this is the best for my family and myself. They had told me I had a second-round grade, but I will really look to raise that bar over the next few months. I am very excited about this next challenge in my life and career.”