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In a rather interesting move, sophomore defensive back Al Louis-Jean has declared for the NFL draft. The news was posted on NFL.com this morning, with ALJ's name listed among the 98 underclassmen declaring early for the draft.
Al Louis-Jean was originally committed to Miami, but flipped to Boston College after head coach Randy Shannon was fired. He was a heralded four star recruit from Brockton, Massachusetts but never seemed to fit in at Boston College. He missed all of the 2012 season due to a foot injury and spent 2013 as a nickel back. He was also suspended by head coach Steve Addazio for one game this season due to unspecified reasons.
Rich with talent, Louis-Jean never truly became a shut down corner for Boston College and never seemed to be in the good graces with the current coaching staff. He finishes his college career with one interception, one forced fumble and thirty six tackles in his two seasons playing at the Heights. BC will have a slew of young cornerbacks ready to step in -- Ty Schwab, Richard Wilson, John Johnson, and others -- so the loss of ALJ shouldn't really impact the program too negatively.
His decision to go pro has me a little baffled. On one hand I understand that his time at the Heights has probably come to a close and that his role probably won't improve given the coaching staff. However, he hasn't necessarily proven much on the field and still has two years of eligibility left. Why not transfer?
This reminds me of Max Holloway, who decided not to play his senior year. Unfortunately for Holloway, his NFL dreams didn't come to fruition when he went undrafted after declaring a year early. Let's hope that things go better for Louis-Jean.