[Tuck4Bama]

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State cornerback Justin King will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

The announcement ended an agonizing decision process for the junior, his stepfather, Terry Smith, said Sunday night.

"It was extremely difficult for him. Penn State is fond in Justin's heart and our family's heart," Smith, a former Nittany Lions receiver, said in a phone interview. "He felt it was just the right time."

One of the country's most sought-after high school prospects, King arrived at Penn State in 2005 as part of a heralded recruiting class that included receiver Derrick Williams. Their play as freshmen helped coach Joe Paterno revive a sagging program with a Big Ten title and a win in the Orange Bowl.

After playing offense and defense his freshman year, King played exclusively at cornerback the next two seasons. He regularly matched up against the opponents' top receiver, and his speed often had opposing quarterbacks looking to throw away from his side of the field.

Penn State CB King to skip senior year, enter NFL draft

[njpsufan]

Horrible move. He had a terrible second half of the season and his weaknesses were exposed by tall, physical receivers. At one time he was considered an elite CB but his stock fell hard. He will be lucky to go one the first day. He should have stayed for one more year.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

Horrible move. He had a terrible second half of the season and his weaknesses were exposed by tall, physical receivers. At one time he was considered an elite CB but his stock fell hard. He will be lucky to go one the first day. He should have stayed for one more year.

How fast is this guy? And maybe he figures to go out there before he drops further...

Anyone know how deep the draft is at CB?

[njpsufan]

Draft is OK for CB. Not very deep and only a few real top notch guys. King has track speed. Sub 4.4. Does not return kicks though. Played a little WR his freshman year before going exclusively to CB as a soph. However I still think he drops to maybe late 2nd rd or 3 rd. Pre-season he was forecast to be a rd1 pick but his play went downhill all year.