UConn’s win in its regular-season finale not so unexpectedly turned out to be the final collegiate game for one of its top performers on the defensive side of the ball.
Immediately following the Huskies’ 45-10 win over Memphis, linebacker Yawin Smallwood announced that he is foregoing his final season of eligibility and will make himself available for the April draft. Smallwood said he will begin a search for an agent; once that happens, there will be opportunity for the player to change his mind prior to the mid-January deadline.
“I will go ahead and enter the NFL Draft,” Smallwood said. “It’s for real. I am happy and a dream come true. This is when the work starts. It’s a job now and I have to become the best football player I can be.”
Smallwood finished 2013 leading the Huskies in tackles (118) and sacks (four). He was second on the team in tackles for loss with 9.5.