OU's Stills, Jefferson reportedly leaving for NFL draft
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Monday, January 07, 2013
1/07/13 at 6:56 AM
Oklahoma's Tony Jefferson and Kenny Stills will leave school early to enter the NFL draft, ESPN.com reported on Sunday morning.
The juniors were noncommittal on their future plans prior to Friday's 41-13 loss to Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Neither was available at the post-game press conference.
No official word on whether the San Diego-area players were staying or leaving school was anticipated on Sunday, an OU athletics department spokesperson said.
Jefferson had a team-high 119 tackles and two interceptions from his safety position in 2012. He was voted a second-team All-American by the Associated Press this past season and is a former Big 12 defensive freshman of the year.
Jefferson and Stills are very active on Twitter.
Stills hasn't tweeted about his NFL thoughts.
Jefferson, on Saturday, tweeted: "Smh guys I promise I will let you guys know when I decide. But as of now I'm nowhere near deciding." Jefferson was asked before the game if his draft projection would play a difference in whether he decided to go pro.
"Obviously just where you feel like you'll end up," said Jefferson, who chose not to disclose his draft grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. "Pretty much now, with the new (salary) cap you have to be smart with your decision."
Jefferson (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) has been rated as the fifth-best safety and 82nd player overall by ESPN.com. A source who has had conversations with NFL officials said Jefferson could be getting a third-round grade at best.
Stills, a wide receiver, has the third-most receptions in school history with 204. He led the Sooners in catches (82), yards (959) and touchdown receptions (11) in 2012.
Stills' father Kenny played safety for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. His uncle Gary Stills played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
Stills said before the Texas A&M game that his draft grade "talked about anywhere in the first four rounds."
Stills (6-1, 190) is rated as the 14th-best wide receiver and 73rd-best player overall by ESPN.com. The source with NFL links said Stills would be a fourth-round selection at best.
Trey Millard announced after the Cotton Bowl that he is staying for his senior season at Oklahoma.
Cornerback Aaron Colvin is believed to be exploring the possibility of declaring early for the NFL.
Original Print Headline: OU's Stills, Jefferson leaving for NFL draft
Eric Bailey 918-581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Jefferson
Stills
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