USC star wide receiver Makai Lemon is declaring for the NFL draft, forgoing his remaining year of eligibility. The Biletnikoff award winner announced his decision in a social media post Wednesday afternoon.
“USC will forever hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote in the post. “I’m a Los Angeles native, and the opportunity to play this game in the city that raised me was something long before it became a reality.”
The slot receiver won multiple postseason awards in addition to the Biletnikoff and was recognized as an AP First Team All-American, an AFCA All-American and the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year.
Lemon finished the season leading the Power Four conferences – the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 and ACC – in receiving yards (1,156) and receiving yards per game (96.3). He also led the Big Ten in receptions per game (6.6), yards after catch (502) and tied for most receiving touchdowns (11).
He finishes his USC career with 137 receptions for 2,008 yards (14.7 avg.) and 14 touchdowns.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound junior is projected by experts to be a first-round draft pick in April. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper lists him as his No. 3 overall receiver behind Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
Lemon is one of multiple USC players to announce their decisions to enter the draft. Tight end Lake McRee, defensive back Kamari Ramsey and receiver Ja’Kobi Lane will each be moving on to professional football.
