Junior tight end Aaron Hernandez, a consensus All-American in 2009, has decided to forego his senior season and opt for the National Football League draft which will be held April 22-24 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.
Hernandez becomes the second Florida junior to declare his intentions to come out for the draft. Cornerback Joe Haden announced his decision earlier this week.
“After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I am declaring myself eligible for the 2010 NFL Draft,” the 6-2, 250-pound Hernandez said. “It is really special for me to take this first step toward my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL on the fourth anniversary of my father’s passing. I know he would be proud of not only me, but of my whole family, whose love and support are the only reasons I am where I am today.”
Hernandez credited Florida head coach Urban Meyer and Athletics Director Jeremy Foley for helping him fulfill his goal.
“My three years at Florida provided me with the foundation I need to succeed as a player and a person,” Hernandez continued. “I am eternally grateful to Mr. Foley, coach Meyer and the entire Gator coaching staff for bringing me to Florida and serving as my family away from home. They were constantly pushing me to become a better player and – more importantly – a better person. I am so grateful for their guidance and support.”
Hernandez led all tight ends in the nation in 2009 with 68 receptions for 850 yards. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press. He also was a first-team All-American by the Associated Press and became the first tight end in SEC history to win the John Mackey Award, which is given annually to the nation’s tight end.
“Aaron was one of the very best at his position that I have ever been around,” Meyer said. “He has been a key part of our success over the years, but he now has the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream by playing in the NFL. He has all of the tools to be successful at the next level and we wish him the best of luck.”
Hernandez started 27 games in his career and finished with 111 receptions for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his final game, last Friday’s 51-24 Florida victory over Cincinnati in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Hernandez caught nine passes from quarterback Tim Tebow for 111 yards and one touchdown, a 7-yarder that opened the game’s scoring. His nine receptions tied the school record for most receptions by a tight end in a game. Hernandez also set records for receptions by a tight end in a season (68 this season) and a career (111).
“I want to thank my teammates for their help on the field and their friendships off the field,” Hernandez continued. “I was fortunate to have been a part of three great Gator teams with many great players who I know I will see at the next level. Finally, I will never forget Gator Nation. You all are the reason I wanted to come to Florida and I look forward to returning to Gainesville to cheer on future Florida teams with the best fans in the country.”
Several draft observers have projected Hernandez to be the top tight end in this year’s NFL Draft and he’s projected to be a mid to late first-round pick.
THE HERNANDEZ FILE
The career statistics of Florida tight end Aaron Hernandez, who announced Wednesday that he will forego his senior season to enter the NFL Draft:
RECEIVING
Year No. Yds Avg. TDs Long
2007 9 151 16.8 2 55
2008 34 381 11.2 5 38
2009 68 850 12.5 5 64
Totals: 111 1,382 12.5 12 64
RUSHING
Year No. Yds Avg. TDs Long
2009 1 16 16.0 0 16
Totals: 1 16 16.0 0 16
CAREER HIGHS
Receptions: 9 (vs. Cincinnati, 2010 Sugar Bowl)
Receiving Yards: 120 (Vanderbilt, 2009)
Receiving TD: 2 (Twice, last vs. FSU, 2009)
Longest Reception: 64 (Vanderbilt, 2009)
Rushes: 1 (LSU, 2009)
Rushing Yards: 16 (LSU, 2009)
Rushing TD: None
Longest Rush: 16 (LSU, 2009)
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT AARON HERNANDEZ
“He’s a guy who understands their offense. He knows all the blocking schemes and all the angles.”
Les Miles, Louisiana State head coach, Oct. 2009
“What makes him unique is that he’s so athletic and he’s one of those guys who can truly detach and be a legitimate receiver. He’s a great route runner and has great speed. He’s a hybrid tight end.”
Steve Addazio, Florida interim head coach/offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, Oct. 2009
“In 23 years of coaching, he’s probably the smartest football player I’ve been around. He’s like one of those crazed super computers … He’s not even near his genetic ceiling.”
Brian White, Florida tight end coach, Sept. 2009