Four chairs were spotted on the podium inside the Mal Moore facility on Friday at the University of Alabama campus. The chairs represent the student-athletes that are faced with a decision to either return to school for another year, or declare for the upcoming NFL Draft and turn pro.
With announcements starting at 10:00 a.m. CT, the individuals were Jonah Williams, Quinnen Williams, Josh Jacobs, Deionte Thompson, Anfernee Jennings and Irv Smith, Jr.
RELATED: Alabama to hold press conference for draft-eligible players this week
Despite the allure of Crimson Tide fans wanting all to stay, listed below is a breakdown of who chose to return and who has decided to turn professional.
Returning to Alabama
Anfernee Jennings
Trevon Diggs
Shyheim Carter
Terrell Lewis
Raekwon Davis
UPDATE: Jennings was not present on Friday, when the players were scheduled to make announcements on the NFL Draft. He had a good season down the stretch, but a knee injury hindered him early on.
Having a full season healthy is what Jennings needs to show pro scouts.
Guys like Raekown Davis, Terrell Lewis and Trevon Diggs already announced earlier that they are forgoing the NFL Draft and returning to Alabama. Defensive back Shyheim Carter has also declined the opportunity to turn pro.
Declaring for NFL Draft
Jonah Williams
Quinnen Williams
Josh Jacobs
Irv Smith, Jr.
Deionte Thompson
Saivion Smith
Mack Wilson
UPDATE: Smith could not make it for the announcement because he was attending the wedding of a teammate — Hale Hentges — but he did announce his decision on Twitter. Jonah Williams, Quinnen Williams and Josh Jacobs announced today in the meeting on declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Thank You, #RTR pic.twitter.com/MAqTPbE0KC
— Irvin Smith Jr. (@swervinirvin_) January 11, 2019
Deionte Thompson becomes the latest name to declare for the draft, per Matt Zenitz of AL.com.
He totaled 78 tackles in the 2018 season with six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
Aside from a rough performance against Clemson in the College Football Playoff title game, Thompson earned recognition as a consensus All-American and NFL scouts like what they see in him.
Saivion Smith is probably the most shocking entry to the draft.
#PathToTheDraft2019 pic.twitter.com/whTpLQWj6l
— 4WAY (@Saivion_1k) January 12, 2019
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound cornerback is a physical player, but was inconsistent all season. He got burned against elite programs and sustained an injury versus Clemson on Monday night. Hailing from Tampa, Fla., Smith led the Tide with three interceptions and was among the team leaders in tackles with 71.
Mack Wilson has joined the list of those declaring for the draft.
According to a report from Zenitz of AL.com, the junior is expected to forgo his senior year and pursue a professional career. The Montgomery (Ala.) native totaled 71 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, seven quarterback pressures, two interceptions and one sack throughout the 2018 season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
