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Published November 20, 2014
LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers declared for the NFL draft on Thursday.
Claiborne had 51 tackles, six interceptions and six pass breakups this season while leading the nation in interception return yardage with 173. The junior won the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back.
Brockers was a second-team All-SEC pick in 2011 and notched 54 tackles -- 10 for loss -- and two sacks. He also blocked a field goal in the title game against Alabama, a 21-0 loss.
"There are different times for guys to leave our program and the things that both of these men have done is have consistent growth as people and as student-athletes academically," said LSU head coach Les Miles. "Both men have been very humble in their approach to learning football. It started at a level much less to the level they are at now. They improved and improved and became tremendously competitive. They have put themselves in a position to enter the NFL Draft early at an advantaged position."
LSU came into Monday's BCS National Championship Game ranked No. 1 after a 13-0 season, but were held to just five first downs and 92 yards in the loss. The defense, though, limited Alabama to five field goals and just one touchdown.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lsu-defenders-claiborne-brockers-enter-nfl-draft