TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft after the advisory committee projected him as a second-round pick.
Jackson announced his decision Friday -- the last day for underclassmen to declare for the draft -- but said he still planned to fulfill a promise to his parents and complete his degree.
The three-year starter joins All-America linebacker Rolando McClain in leaving the national champions a year early. The Tide will have only three defensive starters returning, counting linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who missed most of the season with a knee injury.
Jackson had 159 tackles and five interceptions in his career while starting all but one game.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
