Carlos Dunlap also declares for 2010 NFL Draft

Following the trend set by juniors cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Aaron Hernandez and center Maurkice Pouncey, defensive end Carlos Dunlap has decided to forgo his senior season with the Florida Gators and make himself eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft. Dunalp, who was at one point projected as a top-five pick, saw his stock fall after a shocking DUI arrest the Monday before the 2009 SEC Championship.

“This took a lot of thought and prayer between me and my family, and we decided that this was the best direction for me to take,” Dunlap said. “I’ve loved having the chance to play at Florida for Coach [Urban] Meyer, and playing for Coach Charlie Strong. I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am today without them and the other coaches who have helped me along the way.”

Already close to graduating, Dunlap received a promising grade from the league’s Draft Advisory Board – two factors that likely led to his decision. “The feedback that he’s gotten is that he will go late in the first round or early in the second round,” Dunlap’s father told Rivals last Tuesday. “Staying to get a degree isn’t going to be an issue because he’s on track to graduate in December. He’s close enough to getting his degree that he can do it anytime. So does he want to come back to finish up his education and maybe be the top overall draft choice next year or does he want to come out right now and start working on his NFL career?”

Obviously Dunlap, the defensive MVP of the 2009 BCS Championship and an almost unanimous All-SEC team selection, chose the latter. He closed his Florida career by earning two of the Gators’ three sacks in the Sugar Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats and finished with a team-high nine this season.

“Carlos has all of the physical tools to be successful at the next level,” Florida head coach Urban Meyer said. “I believe if he continues to grow and mature he will have a very long career in the NFL. He provided matchup problems for opposing teams and was a big part of our success during the last several years. We wish him the best of luck.”