USF DE Jason Pierre-Paul Opts for NFL Draft

USF defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft after just one year of playing D-1 college football for USF.

"I support Jason in his decision and our entire program supports him and wishes Jason the very best in the next stage of his football career," said USF head coach Jim Leavitt.

Originally from Deerfield Beach, Pierre-Paul joined the Bulls late in training camp after finishing his AA at Fort Scott Community College. The late start didn’t hurt as the 6’6-260 pound DE gained national attention during the Bulls win over Florida State when he had three tackles for loss, one sack and one force fumble, and then continued to impress the following weekend against Syracuse where he recorded two tackles for loss and intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, and was named the BG EAST defensive player of the week.

Pierre-Paul finished the season leading the team with 6.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries. He also has an interception, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.

"I told Jason that I couldn't be any more excited for him," said USF defensive line coach Kevin Patrick. "Years of hard work have paid off and he's ready to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. He is a tremendous player and I can't wait to follow him through the draft process and on Sunday afternoons next season."

Jason Pierre-Paul headlined six USF players that earned 2009 All-BIG EAST Conference honors, with Pierre-Paul being a consensus first team all-conference selection. He was named a first team All-American by the Pro Football Weekly, and was also a first team All-BIG EAST member on almost every list except Phil Steele.

Pierre-Paul joins USF seniors DE George Selvie, FS Nate Allen, DB Jerome Murphy and LB Kion Wilson as NFL draft hopefuls. Selvie, Allen and Murphy will also play in the Under Armour Senior Bowl on Jan. 30, and Kion Wilson will play in the Shrine Bowl on Jan. 23.