PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Florida State star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
The junior from Smyrna, Tennessee, declared for the draft Tuesday, ending what little doubt there was that the two-time second-team All-American would remain with the Seminoles in 2016.
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Ramsey said he made his decision after consulting with his parents, coaches "and others whom I hold dear to my heart."
"There are no words to describe how much I have enjoyed my time in Tallahassee, and more specifically here at Florida State," Ramsey said in a statement released by the team. "Since the first day I stepped foot on campus, I knew I made the right decision and found my second home. From the war chants and tomahawk chops that send chills shooting down my spine, to running out of the tunnel or being on the track with my teammates, I have found that there is no greater feeling than being a Seminole."
Ramsey leaves FSU having started all 41 games of his career, finishing with 180 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 23 pass breakups and three interceptions. He also became the first true freshman to start at cornerback for the Seminoles since Deion Sanders before moving to safety during Florida State's national championship season in 2013.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said he was "extremely happy" for Ramsey, who is expected to be among the first defensive backs chosen in this year's draft.
"I think it is a very smart decision by him," Fisher said in a statement. "He will be a tremendous pro. He was an outstanding player and leader for us. I cannot say enough good things about him. I wish him nothing but the best, and he will always be a part of the Florida State family."