DeCamerion Richardson declares for NFL Draft despite transferring to Ole Miss

The NFL draft claims another highly touted Mississippi State Bulldogs player. On Saturday, Bulldogs cornerback DeCamerion Richardson announced that he is entering the 2024 NFL Draft. Richardson made the announcement with this message on social media.

“I would like to thank Mississippi State, the coaching staff, and my teammates for the last four years. It has been an honor to be a Bulldog, and I will be forever grateful.”

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL draft,” said Richardson via X.

Richardson had been a Starkville resident for four years, though he needed a couple of seasons to really get going on the football field. He didn’t play at all as a freshman but saw snaps in most of the team’s games as a sophomore in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, Richardson not only took a step up, but became a key piece for Zach Arnett’s defenses.

In 2022, DeCamerion Richardson finished No. 9 in the SEC with 50 solo tackles and 85 total to go along with three passes defended. This fall, the numbers were similar, though Richardson defended seven passes and made 79 total tackles, good for 10th in the SEC this season.

Richadson’s change of heart

This comes as a surprise to not only Mississippi State fans but also those of their in-state rival, the Ole Miss Rebels. Richardson originally entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, committing to play for Lane Kiffin and the Rebels in 2024. However, it appears the Louisiana native has had a change of heart or heard some promising news about his draft stock status and is electing to try his hand at the next level.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on 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.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.