(I will never, ever get tired of this photo of Vontaze Burfict; the caption possibilities are endless)
While I can always hold the memory of the Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict near and dear with that photo, it looks like the junior will soon be a memory to the Sun Devils as well.
Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic reports that Burfict is expected to forego his senior year and declare for the NFL Draft. Burfict said on his Facebook page Monday he plans on “expanding (his) talents to the next level.”
Burfict later confirmed the move in a statement:
“After thoughtful and in-depth discussions with my family, I have decided to skip my final year of eligibility at Arizona State University and make myself eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft. I would like to thank every one of my coaches and professors at ASU. I plan to return to ASU and get my degree and I will always support the university and its football program. I cherish the memories and great times I had as a student-athlete at ASU and I hope to make the university proud of my future accomplishments on and off the field.”
Burfict, despite being a preseason All-American, was considered to have an “average” year by former coach Dennis Erickson and was reportedly part of a verbal altercation with Erickson in the practices leading up to the Las Vegas Bowl. Erickson later shot down rumors that Burfict was in any kind of trouble with the team.
Burfict had 69 total tackles, a fumble recovery and interception this year.