Missouri junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert announced Monday he will enter the 2011 NFL Draft, forgoing his senior year with the Tigers.
Gabbert threw for 6,822 yards and 40 touchdowns in his 30 games at Missouri. His yards and touchdown marks are fourth and third in school history, respectively. The junior was a driving force for the Tiger offense all year, leading the team to a 10-3 record, reaching the double digit victory mark for only the fourth time in school history.
“This is definitely a bittersweet day for me,” Gabbert said. “I was looking forward to having a chance to do some special things next season with my teammates, but in the end, this is the right decision to make for myself and my family.”
Gabbert joins a talented list of standouts that have gone to the NFL from the Tigers in recent years, including first round selections Sean Weatherspoon (No. 19 to Atlanta in 2010), Jeremy Maclin (No. 19 to Philadelphia in 2009) and Ziggy Hood (No. 32 to Pittsburgh in 2009).
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said Gabbert will represent the Tigers well in the NFL.
“We’re very proud of Blaine and how hard he’s worked to put himself in position for this opportunity,” Pinkel said. “He’s been an outstanding leader for our team, and it’s been a priviledge to coach him and have him as part of our program. Blaine is excited to take on a new set of challenges at the next level, and I’m confident he’ll be a great representative of Mizzou Football going forward.”
Freshman quarterback James Franklin is in line to take the helm at quarterback for the Tigers. Franklin was used sparingly this season, appearing in 10 games as a reserve. The freshman completed 11 of 14 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 122 yards and two scores.
