Virginia received good news and not-so-good news on the early-entry front.
Per a tweet posted on his Twitter account late Wednesday morning, defensive end Eli Harold announced that he will forego his remaining eligibility and will make himself available for the 2015 NFL draft. Conversely, and in the midst of speculation to the contrary, linebacker Max Valles confirmed via the same social media medium that he will indeed return to the Cavaliers for another season.
To all UVA Fans, my family, and my close friends and teammates it's been a great ride. I have decided to enter the NFL Draft.
— Coach Eli (@EliHarold_) December 10, 2014
I don't know where everyone is hearing it from but I did not declare for the NFL draft. I'm staying at UVA
— Max Valles (@big_black5) December 10, 2014
Harold started all 24 games the past two seasons, leading the team in tackles for losses as a true junior this past season with 14.5. He was named second-team All-ACC earlier this month.
Valles, meanwhile, is a sophomore -- he’s three years removed from high school, though, and thus eligible for the 2015 draft -- who played in 10 games in 2013, starting just four of those contests.