by Chris Burke
A year after losing star running back Rashard Mendenhall early to the NFL, Illinois is dealing with another premature departure. Junior cornerback Vontae Davis announced that he will turn pro.
"It has been a goal of mine for a long time to have the opportunity to play in the NFL," Davis said. "I thank (Illinois) Coach (Ron) Zook and all my teammates at Illinois who have helped me get to this place. Because I was able to get on the field early at Illinois and because Coach Zook believed in me so much, I think I am ready for the new challenge that professional football brings."
Illinois had to expect this decision from Davis -- he's coming off a strong year where he piled up 78 tackles a pair of interceptions. For the second straight season, Davis also earned a spot on the semifinal list for Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back.
Respected draft site WalterFootball.com ranks Davis as the No. 2 corner in the draft, behind only Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins. DraftCountdown.com, meanwhile, projects Davis as the No. 15 overall pick by New England.
No Surprise Here: Illinois CB Vontae Davis Declares for the NFL Draft originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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