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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
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Leonard Williams Declares for 2015 NFL Draft

The junior defensive end is expected to be a Top 10 pick.

USC junior defensive end Leonard Williams has declared for the 2015 NFL Draft. 

Williams was a two-time first team All-American at USC, and is projected to be a Top 10 NFL pick. 

"This was a very hard decision for me. I love USC, Coach Sark and the coaching staff, my teammates and the fans, and I love the game of college football. It's hard to leave all of that..." said Williams. "But I feel like it's the right time for me to go. I feel like I'm ready. I'm looking forward to the new challenge that the NFL presents." 

"I had a great experience at USC and enjoyed all three of my years here. I was coached by outstanding coaches and I played with great teammates. I'm thankful to all of them, as well as to the support I got from the fans. I'm proud and happy to have been a part of the Trojan Family. I'll always be a Trojan. Now, I get to be part of the great tradition of USC alums in the NFL. I'm excited to see what's coming next for me." 

USC head coach Steve Sarkisian showed his support for Williams' decision. 

"We wish Leonard the best of luck. We know he will represent USC well in his professional career. He was a great player here for all three of his years. Just like all of our players, Leonard is a Trojan for life and we will always support him," said Sarkisian. 

This season, Williams finished second on the team in tackles with 80, including 9.5 for losses and a team-high 7 sacks. He had a team-high 3 forced fumbles this year, plus an interception, a fumble recovery and 3 pass deflections. He finished as a first-team All-American for the second consecutive season, becoming the first Trojan defensive end to do so since Marlin McKeever in 1959-1960. He was also recently selected as Defensive MVP of the Holiday Bowl. 

In his three seasons at USC, Williams had 218 tackes, including 36.5 for losses with 21 sacks. 

Williams is the first of potential NFL-bound USC players to announce his decision to leave for the NFL. Redshirt junior tailback Buck Allen and junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor are expected to make their decisions soon. 

The 2015 NFL Draft will take place from April 30 through May 2, 2015. 

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