ASU WR Brandon Aiyuk to skip bowl game, prepare for NFL Draft
Dec 15, 2019, 11:52 AM | Updated: 1:13 pm
Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (2) reacts on his way to scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against San Diego State, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Arizona State Sun Devils senior wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk announced Sunday morning that he would not participate in the Sun Bowl against Florida State on New Year’s Eve as he prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft.
“My gratitude for ASU has no end,” Aiyuk said in a Twitter post, also thanking his coaching staff, teammates and fans. “As a kid with no scholarship offers who took the JUCO route, ASU has enabled me to pursue a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.”
Aiyuk added the decision was made after conferring with his family and coaches.
He was the top wide receiver for Arizona State this season, leading the team in yards (1,192) and receptions (65). He tied Frank Darby with eight touchdowns.
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His receiving yards were the second most in the conference, while he led the conference on special teams in kickoff and punt yards per return.
Aiyuk was recently named as the all-purpose player on the First Team of the AP All-Pac-12 team and was a second-team wide receiver.
He joins running back Eno Benjamin, who announced on Wednesday that he would be skipping his senior season and declaring for the NFL Draft.
It is unclear if Benjamin will also not participate in the Sun Bowl.
Arizona State plays in its third Sun Bowl in the last six seasons when they take on Florida State at 12 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
