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Rutgers' Logan Ryan, former Eastern High star, to enter NFL draft

Logan Ryan, a cornerback and former Eastern High star, will give up his final season of eligibility. (Associated Press)

GALLERY: Logan Ryan, a cornerback and former… (Associated…)

By Marc Narducci, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: January 01, 2013

Rutgers junior cornerback Logan Ryan has decided to forgo his final college season and enter the NFL draft. A former Inquirer South Jersey player of the year from Eastern High School, Ryan announced his decision during a Monday news conference.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Ryan started all 13 games and was second on the team in tackles (94) and interceptions (4). He also had a team-high 18 pass breakups.

"The main factor is I am a competitor and I love challenges and felt ready for the next challenge for me," Ryan said in a phone interview.

Ryan said he would focus on choosing an agent and preparing for the draft.

As for getting feedback, Ryan said he spoke to some former Rutgers teammates such as defensive back Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots and rookie receiver Mohamed Sanu of the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I asked them if they thought I could play at the NFL level, and they both said I could," Ryan said.

This season Ryan was a first-team all-Big East selection. He was also named a first-team all-American by Pro Football Weekly.

A semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the top defensive back in college football, Ryan was the only player in the nation with at least 90 tackles, four interceptions, and 18 passes defended.

Ryan was a two-year starter after redshirting his first year and appearing in 11 games and making nine tackles in his second.

For his career he had 170 tackles and seven interceptions.

Contact Marc Narducci at mnarducci@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @sjnard.