Auburn receiver Sammie Coates announced Monday he has decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.
Coates, who graduated from Auburn on Saturday, said he didn’t look at his NFL evaluation and instead made his decision because he had obtained his degree.
"If I wouldn't have graduated, it wouldn't have even been a thought," Coates said.
Coates’ final game will be against Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.
In the past two seasons, Coates has amassed 72 catches for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns. ESPN’s Mel Kiper listed Coates as a late-first to mid-second round pick, but he is not listed among his top 10 receivers.
"He's got a bright future. I'm real proud of him," coach Gus Malzahn said.
Malzahn also said Auburn would pay for loss-of-value insurance for Coates for the bowl game. The insurance will provide Coates his lost NFL worth should he be injured in the bowl game and either fall in the draft or not be drafted at all.
Coates is the first of the Tigers’ two main receivers to declare for the draft. Auburn is still waiting for junior D'haquille “Duke” Williams to make his decision.
Williams missed two games late in the season after suffering a knee injury against Texas A&M on Nov. 8. He returned to play in the Iron Bowl against Alabama and had seven catches for 121 yards.
For more Auburn news, visit AuburnSports.com.
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