USC's Leonard Williams Declares For NFL Draft

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California defensive lineman Leonard Williams is skipping his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Williams confirmed his long-anticipated decision Monday.

Williams has been a dominant defensive lineman for three seasons with the Trojans, racking up 21 sacks and 36 1/2 tackles for losses. Despite attracting constant double-teams from offensive lines, he was second on the USC roster this season with 80 tackles and a team-leading seven sacks.

The imposing 6-foot-5 end from Daytona Beach, Florida, is widely expected to be a high first-round pick.

Williams had long been expected to leave the Trojans after his junior season, but he says he was torn about the decision. Coach Steve Sarkisian says USC supports Williams' decision.