FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) – Arkansas sophomore defensive tackle Darius Philon will forgo his final two seasons at Arkansas to enter the NFL Draft.
Philon made the decision official on his Instagram account Tuesday morning. The following was a message on that same Instagram account:
“I want to say I have had a great journey here in the state of Arkansas. I feel that I have matured enough to pursue my dreams on to the next level. I know there will be some obstacles that I will have to endure but I feel the university of Arkansas has prepared me well. With such excellent coaches, phenomenal players, and dedicated fans, I know this football program will have a very bright future ahead. Please know that wherever I go and whatever I do in life … I will ALWAYS represent the university of Arkansas #wps”
Philon finished the 2014 season with 46 tackles (25 solo) and was second on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Philon also returned a fumble for a score against Nicholls.
The Mobile, Ala. product is allowed to turn professional even though he is listed to have just finished his sophomore season because he is three years removed from high school. Philon redshirted in 2012.
Philon is the third major loss to the Arkansas defense as star defensive end Trey Flowers and linebacker Martrell Spaight are both lost due to expired eligibility.
The defensive tackle is listed at 6-foot-2, 272 pounds on the official Razorbacks website, making Philon undersized compared to most NFL defensive tackles.
