Penn State's Maybin is turning pro

January 10, 2009|By Jeff McLane INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Apparently, one season was enough.

Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin will declare himself eligible for April's NFL draft, according to multiple reports.

Maybin informed coach Joe Paterno and defensive line coach Larry Johnson of his decision on Thursday. His family plans to make a formal announcement soon. A message left at the home of Mike Maybin, Aaron's father, was not returned yesterday.

A redshirt sophomore, Maybin has two years of college eligibility remaining. But after a stellar season in which he played as an every-down player for the first time, and recorded a team-high 12 sacks, the all-American saw his draft stock skyrocket. Several draft boards project Maybin as a first-round pick.

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Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Maybin would need to bulk up if he were to stay at end in the pros. Most analysts believe he would be drafted to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Maybin started the season as a backup, but when Maurice Evans was suspended for three games, the 20-year-old from Ellicott, Md., stepped in. Evans, a 6-foot-2, 265-pound junior, is expected to reach a stay-or-go decision before Thursday, the last day underclassmen can declare for the draft. Defensive tackle Jared Odrick is also considering entering the draft.

Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745 or jmclane@phillynews.com.

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