Star LB Colson to leave Michigan for NFL draft

• Pete Thamel, ESPNJan 11, 2024, 12:58 PM ET

Michigan star junior linebacker Junior Colson told ESPN he is leaving school early for the NFL draft.Colson is a 6-foot-3, 247-pound linebacker who’ll bring elite speed and high-end performance into this year’s draft class. Rated as the No. 3 linebacker by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and the No. 2 linebacker by ESPN’s Field Yates, Colson projects as a top-50 pick, according to NFL scouts.” Just to be able to complete it off

strong and go out on a strong note, “Colson told ESPN in a phone interview.”I’ve been speaking with household and my coaches the last couple of weeks about it. I feel it’s time. I’ve played a lot of college football and revealed what I might do at a high level. I seem like it’s the correct time and chance for a youngster from Haiti to head out.”Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Colson, a third-year junior, finished with a team-leading 95 tackles this season, 30 more than the

next-closest Wolverine. He won the Lott Award for contributions on and off the field and is an uncommon three-year factor who started in the College Football Playoff all 3 seasons, including versus Georgia as a true freshman.Colson finished his profession with a vibrant grow, as he had a team-high 11 deals with against Ohio State, 10 tackles in the Rose Bowl against Alabama and 6 in the Wolverines’nationwide title win over Washington.Colson will remain in competition for the top linebacker chosen in the draft and stated he’s excited to showcase his speed in the pre-draft process, as he’s anticipated to run someplace in the 4.4 variety in the 40-yard dash.Colson won the award for Michigan’s toughest player, playing basically the final two months of the season with a wrap on his hand that he broke versus Purdue on Nov. 4.

He did not come out of the game after suffering the injury.As for other characteristics he’ll bring to the NFL, Colson discussed speed, coverage capability and flexibility as hallmarks. “Just to be able to head out there and reveal that I’m that real sideline-to-sideline linebacker,”he said.”I do have every tool in package– a huge wingspan and everything that a group is searching for.

“I do see myself as the very best backer in this draft.”Colson stated he’s invested the days after the nationwide title game grasping significance of the victory, all while heading to Dallas to start training.

He will go back to Ann Arbor for the parade Saturday.”

I’ve genuinely simply been processing it,” Colson said.”Simply a real processing that we really just won the national championship. You never really comprehend how great it would feel, having the ability to win and head out and do that.

It’s fantastic. It’s on an entire various level. “For Colson personally, the step to the NFL draft marks another remarkable life turning point in an impressive journey. He was born in Haiti and adopted from an orphanage at age 9, when he moved to the Nashville, Tennessee,

area.Considering his modest starts, Colson has treasured every opportunity and is enjoying this next action.”Oh big, substantial,”he said. “Being type a third-world nation, every opportunity that I have actually gotten, it has actually been unique. I’ve been blessed beyond belief in everything that I do. I’m so blessed. A lot of individuals in my shoes never ever get to this point.

Being here at this moment and stage in my life is just phenomenal.”Colson thanked his household for their assistance, including his moms and dads, Steve and Melanie Colson.”I have a big appreciation and love for them,”he said. “They are my parents, they are my people. They’ve been with me every action of this journey. They’ve been my most significant advocates. I’m happy to share this moment and this opportunity with them.”Colson stated he’s appreciative of his

three seasons at Michigan and all the staff provided for him.”I think M had the ability to turn me from a youngster from Nashville, Tennessee, to end up being a home name,”he stated.”They assisted turn me into a gentleman, and a man my moms and dads would be proud of.”