Thursday, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that the Jaire Alexander and his family “will ‘no doubt’ wait to make a final decision until after Louisville plays in the TaxSlayer Bowl against Mississippi State.” One day later, that timeline has decidedly changed.
In a press release, Louisville announced Friday morning that Alexander has indeed decided to leave the Cardinals early in order to enter the NFL draft. Not only will the true junior cornerback skip out on his senior season, but he will not play in the U of L’s bowl game as well.
The NFL’s Draft Advisory Board told the family that it estimates Alexander has the potential to be drafted as high as the second round of the April draft.
“I know it was a very difficult decision for Jaire,” head coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “I appreciate the contributions he made to the program over the last three seasons, and I wish him all the best in the future.”
After starting one game as a true freshman, Alexander started all 13 during the 2016 season. After leading the Cardinals in interceptions with five last season, Alexander was named second-time All-ACC.
A knee injury this season helped limit the corner to just six games.