LSU junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell announced today that he will forfeit his final year of eligibility to enter the 2007 NFL Draft.
“I’d like to thank God for giving me this day and opportunity,” Russell said today at a 4:30 p.m. press conference.
Russell thanked LSU football coach Les Miles, his family, the state of Louisiana and LSU fans for their support before declaring his intentions.
“I’m calling this conference today to let everybody know that I will be entering the 2007 Draft,” Russell said. “It’s a great opportunity to be in.”
Russell said he has not yet signed with an agent, despite Internet speculation during the past week.
“I don’t have a lot of words to say because I’m so overwhelmed about the situation,” a visibly emotional Russell said. “Me and my family, we’ve never been here before.”
Miles said he will help Russell in any way possible and anticipates Russell will go as a high draft pick.
“We’re going to miss this man as a signal caller, as a guy who throws passes, as a quarterback,” Miles said. “But we’re going to miss him more as a person. He’s a tremendous leader, a quality man … we wish him well on his next football adventure.”