UCLA football’s Ellis McCarthy to forgo senior season, enter NFL draft
Junior defense lineman Ellis McCarthy (right) attempts to tackle redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kenneth Walker during a fall camp practice in San Bernardino last year. (Daily Bruin file photo)
By camayak
Jan. 13, 2015 10:00 p.m.
Junior defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy will forgo his senior season at UCLA at enter the 2015 NFL draft, McCarthy announced on Twitter Tuesday.
“This was an extremely difficult decision but it is best for my family and myself,” McCarthy said in a statement tweeted from his account. “I will always be grateful for the opportunities the Bruin Nation has presented to me academically and athletically.”
A five-star recruit out of high school, McCarthy’s performance at UCLA was limited at times by his weight. Listed at 325 pounds, McCarthy attempted to shed some weight several times throughout his college career to reduce the strain on his knees, which he also injured multiple times over the past three years.
None of this kept him from contributing on the field, however.
McCarthy played in all 13 games this season, registering 21 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.
McCarthy will join redshirt senior inside linebacker Eric Kendricks, redshirt senior defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa and redshirt erson senior defensive back Anthony Jefferson as the only departing key defensive players.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.
