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Donte Moncrief, one of the most celebrated Ole Miss Rebel wide receivers in recent memory, will forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft, according to an Ole Miss athletics press release.
In the release is a statement from Moncrief, which reads:
After meeting with Coach Freeze and looking at all available information, my family and I have decided that I will declare for the draft. I appreciate all the support I have received over the last three years from the fans, my coaches and teammates. I have had an awesome experience at Ole Miss and plan to support Rebel Nation until I die. At this time, I have to do what is best for my family and I, and I am ready to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.
You certainly can't knock a guy who is doing what he feels is in the best interests of himself and his family.
Over three seasons, Moncrief has hauled in 156 receptions for 2,371 yards and 20 touchdowns. All three of those marks are good for third best in the Ole Miss Rebel record book, an impressive accomplishment when considering that he only had three seasons in which to earn those numbers (one of which being in Houston Nutt's swan song season).
Obviously, we fans would love to have Moncrief back for 2014, but we won't be any less proud of him once he's earning his NFL paycheck. Hotty Toddy, Donte, and thanks for the memories.