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Jerel Worthy Leaving Michigan State, Set To Declare For NFL Draft

Confirming just about everyone's expectations, Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy announced in a press conference on Thursday that he plans to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. Worthy held a press conference at 1:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, and most assumed, correctly, that he was entering the draft. Worthy had a big season for the Spartans, an All-American season, at that. Michigan State won the Big Ten's Legends Division and made the Big Ten Championship game.

Worthy was a first-team All-American by multiple publications and associations, including the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. He's the first defensive-tackle to receive such honors (for an AP All-American nomination) since Bubba Smith in 1966.

Draft pundits such as ESPN's Mel Kiper consider Worthy to be a first-round draft pick. Drafts in recent years have been heavy on defensive linemen, especially big, violent monsters such as worthy. Obviously, with the scouting combine, Pro Days and things of that nature, things can quickly change for Worthy, but for now, it appears his making the right decision.

For more on the Michigan State Spartans, go to The Only Colors. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Football hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Football.