USC WR Deontay Burnett will leave early for NFL draft

By AP
Published

LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California receiver Deontay Burnett is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Burnett announced his decision Monday on Twitter.

The 20-year-old Burnett was the Trojans' leading receiver this season, catching 86 passes for 1,114 yards and nine touchdowns. His production increased sharply in each of his three seasons in USC's offense, and he finished with 152 career receptions for 1,897 yards and 16 TDs.

Burnett is the latest USC star from prep powerhouse Serra High School in nearby Gardena.

He also is the third skill-position player to leave USC early this season, joining quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Ronald Jones II. Together, the trio was the core of the offense for the Pac-12 champion Trojans (11-3).

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