Air Force won't let draft prospect defer duty for NFL

Air Force won't allow 2017 NFL Draft hopeful Jalen Robinette to defer his mandatory two years of service in favor of pursuing professional football.

The Academy announced Saturday it decided before the draft not to allow any of its cadets to put off duty for sports.

"The Air Force places tremendous value on our cadet athletes and their contributions to the nation as we continue to build leaders of character, engage in combat operations overseas and continue to ensure our highest military readiness at home," it said in a statement.

Robinette, a wide receiver, caught 35 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season. He was projected to be a Day 3 selection.