Back to the NCAA Newsfeed

Why the debate around opting out to prepare for the NFL draft has never been louder

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Representatives from all 32 NFL teams showed up for Alabama's pro day in late March to get a look at offensive tackle and future No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal and eight other players scheduled to participate. Jameson Williams, arguably the most explosive receiver in college football and the future No. 12 pick, was on hand, too, as he rehabbed a torn ACL.

As the event was getting started, another star player entered the indoor practice facility through a set of glass doors in the attached weight room. A 6-foot-4, 243-pound outside linebacker, he was dressed in street clothes and smiling from ear to ear as he dapped up teammates and moved through the crowd of coaches, scouts and other personnel.