USC Wide Receiver Marqise Lee Will Enter 2014 NFL Draft
USC wide receiver Marqise Lee announced Friday night that he will be entering the 2014 NFL Draft. Lee played for the Trojans for three years and leaves with 3,655 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns.
Lee announced his decision via twitter and will join fellow teammates Dion Bailey, George Uko and Marcus Martin in the draft.
"To all my Trojan fans, I have decided to forego my senior year at USC and declare for the 2014 NFL Draft," Lee tweeted, "I want to thank my coaches, teammates, staff and entire Trojan family for all the support over the last three seasons."
"I am proud that I will remain a Trojan for life! Fight On."
Lee made his debut in 2011 when he had 73 receptions for 1,143 yards, but it was his performance in 2012 that really captured the nation's attention. Lee recorded 118 receptions for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also racked up 13 carries for 106 rushing yards.
His pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons equals a USC school record.
Following an astonishing 2012 campaign Lee was named the winner of the 2012 Biletnikoff Award, which is presented to the nation's top receiver.
Lee is USC's first recipient of the Biletnikoff Award, and that year led the Pac-12 in receiving yards, all-purpose yards and kick-off returns.
Unfortunately during the 2013 season Lee faced knee injuries that sidelined him for three games. Lee finished the year with 57 receptions for 791 yards and four touchdowns.
In his last game as a Trojan, Lee finished with seven receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns in USC's 45-20 win over Fresno State at the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. After the bowl game Lee reflected back on his USC career.
"I think I did an amazing job. I think I did what I was supposed to do," said Lee. "I just play hard at the end of the day...I just did basically what my other teammates did, just go out there and try to play as much as I can and luckily it turned out good for me."
Lee is projected to go in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. ESPN football analyst Todd McShay projects him as the 15th pick in his mock draft.
