Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell announced Monday he will opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Sewell is widely expected to be a top-10 pick and in contention to be the first offensive lineman off the board.
"There are no words to adequately express how blessed I feel for having played football for the past two seasons at the best school in the country, the University of Oregon," Sewell said in a statement. "The love and support I've received has been overwhelming and I could not be more grateful.
"But ever since I was little, I have dreamt of playing professional football. Accordingly, after long thought, prayer, and many conversations with my family, I have decided to opt out of the 2020-21 college football season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft."
Thank You. pic.twitter.com/5j5agPK82r
— Penei Sewell 🇦🇸 (@peneisewell58) September 7, 2020
With the Pac-12 deciding to postpone its fall season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his first-round status secure, Sewell was unlikely to return to the Ducks for another campaign.
Over two seasons and 1,376 snaps at Oregon, the 6-foot-6, 330-pounder gave up just a single sack and never missed a start. Last year, Sewell was named the Pac-12's top offensive lineman and earned consensus first-team All-America honors.
