Kansas State University

K-State linebacker Elijah Lee declares for NFL Draft

K-State linebacker Elijah Lee sizes up TCU quarterback Kenny Hill before making the tackle. (December 3, 2016)
K-State linebacker Elijah Lee sizes up TCU quarterback Kenny Hill before making the tackle. (December 3, 2016) The Wichita Eagle

Kansas State linebacker Elijah Lee will declare for the NFL Draft and forgo his senior season with the Wildcats.

Lee, a K-State junior from Blue Springs, announced his decision Friday afternoon via Twitter.

“After talking with my family and going through the tough times we have experienced this opportunity is something I can’t pass up,” Lee wrote. “At this time I will forgo my senior season and enter the upcoming 2017 NFL draft. I am looking forward to this opportunity and appreciate everyone’s support going forward.”

Lee led the Wildcats with 110 tackles as a junior, including 6  1/2 for loss, earning a spot on the all-Big 12 team. He said after the Texas Bowl that he was considering entering the NFL Draft.

“That has been on my mind a little bit,” Lee said at the time.

Lee projects as a middle or late round hopeful in the NFL Draft. He will spend the next few months convincing NFL teams he is worthy of a selection.

K-State will turn to a group of unproven linebackers to replace Lee, as well as Charmeachealle Moore and Will Davis. The Wildcats are losing their top three linebackers. Trent Tanking, Sam Sizelove, Elijah Sullivan and others will compete to fill the void in the middle of K-State’s defense.

Kellis Robinett: @kellisrobinett

This story was originally published January 6, 2017 at 3:47 PM with the headline "K-State linebacker Elijah Lee declares for NFL Draft."

Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER