Morris Claiborne Skips Senior Year, Leaves LSU for 2012 NFL Draft

All-American cornerback Morris Claiborne has announced plans to leave LSU before his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

Claiborne announced his decision in a public forum on Thursday with coach Les Miles by his side.

Morris said of his choice:

“My decision had nothing to do with the game on Monday and how the season ended,” adding, “I knew this day was going to come.”

Claiborne’s decision comes after he became the third-rated player on ESPN Scouts Inc.’s draft board. Claiborne led LSU with six interceptions this season while returning one of those interceptions for a touchdown. Morris also won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.

As the top kickoff returner at LSU Claiborne was also responsible for an average of 25 yards per return with one 99 yard touchdown run.

Originally slated as a wide receiver Morris Claiborne was quickly converted to a defensive back and by his sophomore year had started 12 games. During his sophmore year he was able to pull in a team leading five interceptions with a fumble recovery.

Claiborne’s decision to leave LSU one year early places him in a time for the most LSU interceptions with 11 career grabs.

Here’s a Morris Claiborne draft analysis video:

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Do you think Morris Claiborne made the right decision in jumping to the NFL for the 2012 season? Do you believe he will have an immediate impact on whatever team chooses him for the cornerback position?