USC juniors' Jurrell Casey and Tyron Smith have officially declared for this year's NFL Draft.
"We wish Jurrell and Tyron the best as they move on to a professional career and we thank them for their great contributions to the Trojan football program," said head coach Lane Kiffin today.
Casey (photo right) led USC in tackles for loss this season, while Smith started 12 of 13 games anchoring the right side of the offensive line.
"We realize there are many factors that go into a player's decision to leave early or stay in school, and we'll always support the decision that he and his family make," Kiffin continued.
"I felt it was the right time to move on," said Casey today. "It just feels right and I'm looking forward to competing at the next level. My time at USC was great. I accomplished as much as I could while I was here and I think it's prepared me well for the NFL."
Casey was named team MVP at the annual football banquet last Sunday, while Smith (photo left) won the offensive lineman of the year award.
"Seeing great players leave early for the NFL is something we're very accustomed to at USC and it's something that will continue to happen in the future," Kiffin said. "We'll continue to bring in great players like Jurrell and Tyron who will have opportunities to leave early for the NFL."
The defensive line will be boosted by the healthy return of DT Christian Tupou, while Kevin Graf would be next man up at right tackle on the current depth chart.
"It was a great experience to play under Coach Kiffin for a year," said Casey. "I feel that with the talent we have coming back, the Trojans are going to do great things in the future."
Tyron Smith was not available for comment.
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"We wish Jurrell and Tyron the best as they move on to a professional career and we thank them for their great contributions to the Trojan football program," said head coach Lane Kiffin today.Casey (photo right) led USC in tackles for loss this season, while Smith started 12 of 13 games anchoring the right side of the offensive line.
"We realize there are many factors that go into a player's decision to leave early or stay in school, and we'll always support the decision that he and his family make," Kiffin continued.
"I felt it was the right time to move on," said Casey today. "It just feels right and I'm looking forward to competing at the next level. My time at USC was great. I accomplished as much as I could while I was here and I think it's prepared me well for the NFL."
Casey was named team MVP at the annual football banquet last Sunday, while Smith (photo left) won the offensive lineman of the year award."Seeing great players leave early for the NFL is something we're very accustomed to at USC and it's something that will continue to happen in the future," Kiffin said. "We'll continue to bring in great players like Jurrell and Tyron who will have opportunities to leave early for the NFL."
The defensive line will be boosted by the healthy return of DT Christian Tupou, while Kevin Graf would be next man up at right tackle on the current depth chart.
"It was a great experience to play under Coach Kiffin for a year," said Casey. "I feel that with the talent we have coming back, the Trojans are going to do great things in the future."
Tyron Smith was not available for comment.
(Above photos by Jon SooHoo, below by Pierson Clair)
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..we will miss you Jurrell...good luck....FIGHT ON!