UCLA defensive back Azizi Hearn declares for 2023 NFL Draft

UCLA defensive back Azizi Hearn has spent his college football career at three different stops, the Arizona Wildcats, the Wyoming Cowboys, and his last stop, the UCLA Bruins. On Friday evening, the former Bruins’ defensive back decided to officially declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on his Twitter page.

Check it out below.

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— Azizi Hearn (@realazizihearn) January 7, 2023

His announcement reads: “First, I want to thank god for continuing to favor and bless me and of course for allowing me to make it to the point I’m at today. I also want to thank god in advance for all to come. I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced throughout this journey of mine. So many countless memories, blessings, and lessons.”

In his section to the Wyoming Cowboys, he wrote, “I’ll start by saying my time spent there was priceless and those were some of my favorite years. I want to thank Coach Rich for simply being a real one always. I have nothing but respect and love for you. I also want to thank Coach E for everything you’ve poured into me and for helping me become the man I am today.”

In his section to the Arizona Wildcats, he wrote, “I want to thank Coach Rich Rodriguez and Rod Smith for the opportunity they gave me coming out of high school. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I also want to thank Coach Meat for helping me build a great foundation and letting me get my feet wet in college.”

In his section to the UCLA Bruins, he wrote, “First I want to say thank you all for welcoming me in. It was a pleasure to work with you guys. I want to thank everyone involved for the opportunity to play for such a great institution and also Coach Norwood for the many words of wisdom he shared with me. I feel as if I grew the most as a man and as a player throughout my time in Westwood.”

Then, his final three paragraphs are just a general section.

“To my former teammates: My brothers, I appreciate each and every single one of you guys. We created some memories I will never forget.”

“To my family: A thank you isn’t enough. Ya’ll already know what it is. What’s understood don’t gotta be explained.”

“With that being said, I am officially entering my name into the 2023 NFL Draft. —Azizi Hearn“

This season, Hearn racked up 40 tackles and seven passes defended for the UCLA Bruins. For his entire college football career, he tallied 145 total tackles and 21 passes defended.

Hearn played his high school football at Oceanside High School (Oceanside, California). He was named his team’s Most Valuable Player as a senior. Hearn helped guide Oceanside High School to the quarterfinals of the 2016 CIF San Diego Section state playoffs in the Open Division his senior year.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin 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 will be broadcasted 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. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted 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.