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Star USC receiver leaves early and declares for NFL draft

by:Austin Brezina•12/08/21•

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Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

One of USC’s brightest stars declared on Wednesday that he would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft and leaving school early. Drake London has been projected as a first round pick in mock drafts for this year, and the junior receiver has decided to enter the NFL draft.

USC star declares for NFL Draft

“It’s been a true blessing to compete as a Trojan over the past three seasons,” read London’s official message declaring for the draft. “You welcomed me with open arms and I will forever be grateful for the love you’ve shown me. I will never forget our time together and all the people I’ve forged lifelong bonds with. To my coaches and teammates, thank you for pushing me each and every day. I would not be in the position I am today without you all.

“To my family — thank you for being there every step of the way. Your support has fueled me and I’m thankful I have the best support system in the world. I cannot wait to get started on the next chapter in my life.

“I’m extremely excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. I will forever be a Trojan and cannot wait to represent the best brotherhood in the NFL. Fight on!”

Along with his farewell message, London attached another thank you via Twitter to his fans and school.

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“To the best University in the world, Thank you for everything! Fight on forever!”

Drake London at USC

London will be leaving USC as a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft, another in a long line of USC alums to enter the professional level. It would be the third-straight year that a receiver from USC was drafted, following Michael Pittman Jr. and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Unfortunately, London’s final year at USC ended on a sour note after he fractured his ankle against Arizona. The injury cut his junior season short, and opened the door for him to consider his future as a player.

Despite leaving on different terms than anyone wanted, London’s junior year was a fantastic one for the Trojans. He ended his season with 88 catches through eight games, and amassed 1,084 receiving yards with seven touchdowns.

His total numbers as a Trojan ends at 2,153 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns.

London was an exceptional basketball player coming out of Moorpark High School (Moorpark, California). As a senior, he averaged 29.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. It’s not unusual for FBS athletes to be talented in more than one sport, but London was truly elite at two different sports, which is a rare find. As a senior for Moorpark High School, he hauled in 62 catches for 1,089 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown catches.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this article.