One of the most talented defensive players in th Big Ten has decided to call it a career collegiately.
Through a statement released by his management group, Nebraska’s Randy Gregory confirmed that he will leave his remaining eligibility on the table and make himself available for the 2015 NFL draft. Gregory is a highly-ranked talent, with ESPN.com’s experts having the defensive end rated as the No. 4 prospect available for the upcoming draft.
“I chose the University of Nebraska because of the rich tradition, the great academics and sense of family I felt when I stepped onto the campus,” Gregory said in the statement. “It has been everything and more for me and I’m thankful to the Nebraska faithful.
"[Former NU head coach Bo] Pelini having an NFL background helped me understand what it takes to play at the next level. He and Coach Kaczenski did a great job in helping me reach my goals this season. People expected me to come out last season, but I knew I had more work to do. [Former defensive coordinator John] Papuchis also helped me take my game to another level.”
The 6-4, 240-pound Gregory led the Cornhuskers in both sacks (seven) and quarterback hurries (16) in 2014, and was second in tackles for loss (10). He led the team last season with 19 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
This season, he was a semifinalist for both the Bednarik and Lott IMPACT awards.