Linval Joseph, who anchored a defense that helped East Carolina capture back-to-back Conference USA championships, will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
East Carolina issued a news release today saying that an announcement by the NFL confirms that Joseph has entered the draft. Joseph was included on a list of 53 underclassmen granted eligibility for the draft, which is scheduled for April 22-24.
He met a league rule that doesn't allow players to apply for the draft until they've been out of high school for three years. He submitted a written application renouncing his eligibility at East Carolina.
A two-time All-Conference USA player, Joseph made 60 tackles last season, including a team-high 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He totaled 143 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 41 career games.
