[Anhil8tor]

Others who have announced their decision to depart for the NFL in the last several days include Miami CB Devin Hester, N.C. State DE Mario Williams, Maryland TE Vernon Davis and Minnesota RB Laurence Maroney. All three are expected to come off the 2006 draft board in the first round.


Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn is expected to announce his decision to return to school for his senior season within the next few days.

Wisconsin junior Joe Thomas left Monday's Capital One Bowl (vs. Auburn) early with what looked to be a knee injury. Thomas is a highly rated offensive tackle prospect who was reportedly leaning toward leaving school early for the 2006 draft, but ironically suffered the injury while subbing in as a defensive tackle along the Badgers' injury-riddled defensive line. Should the injury be serious, it could force Thomas to return to Madison for the 2006 season.



The following is an unofficial list of those third-year prospects who have made their intentions to leave for the NFL public, and a projection of what round they would most be selected at this point

DE Mario Williams, N.C. State -- First
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland -- First
RB Laurence Maroney, Minnesota -- First
DE Ray Edwards, Purdue -- Second
RS/DC/WR Devin Hester, Miami -- Second or Third
DS Bernard Pollard, Purdue -- Second or Third
OT Willie Hall, Middle Tennessee State -- Sixth or Seventh
RB Demetris Summers, South Carolina -- Seventh or Free Agent
DE Michael Williams, Texas College -- Free Agent
WR Santonio Holmes, Ohio State -- First
TE Leonard Pope, Georgia -- First or Second
WR Greg Lee, Pittsburgh -- Second or Third
CB Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian -- Sixth or Seventh