Miami punter Lou Hedley forgoes final season of eligibility, enters 2023 NFL Draft

Miami punter Lou Hedley decided he will forgo his final season of eligibility with the Hurricanes and enter the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on his Twitter page on Wednesday evening. Last season, he averaged 45.3 yards per punt for the ‘Canes. His longest punt was a 61-yarder.

Thank you MIAMI 🧡💚 pic.twitter.com/zfYzjU0Z6Q

— Lou Hedley (@LouHedleyy) December 7, 2022

His announcement reads: “My teammates: I appreciate and love all of you, thank you for all the memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m truly excited to continue watching you all succeed on and off the field.”

“To all my coaches that have impacted me here at the University of Miami: I am truly and forever thankful for your positive influence you’ve had on my life on and off the field over the past four years.”

“Administration, equipment, and to all my professors that I’ve built relationships with: Thank you for all the countless hours you’ve committed. The work you all do is much appreciated and will never be forgotten.”

“MIAMI: Thank you for making me one of your own. The city and the amazing fanbase have made my college career a truly special experience. I’ve felt the love and support from the minute I stepped foot on campus.”

“I’m extremely excited to be officially declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. 94 out. Lou Hedley.”

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.