Alabama's Ridley declares for NFL draft, Payne reportedly joining him

Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley announced Wednesday that he is declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.

Ridley caught 63 passes this season for 967 yards and five touchdowns. His college career closes with totals of 224 receptions, 2,781 yards, and 19 touchdowns in three campaigns. He caught six passes for 82 yards in Monday's national championship victory over Georgia.

Star defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne will also forgo his senior year to make the leap to the NFL, Matt Zenitz of AL.com reports.

Payne registered 53 tackles, a sack, an interception, and eight quarterback hurries while leading the Crimson Tide to the national title. He also recorded an acrobatic 1-yard touchdown grab in a Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson.