Arizona State WR Frank Darby declares for 2021 NFL Draft
Dec 21, 2020, 5:25 PM
Arizona State wide receiver Frank Darby (84) scores a touchdown against Southern California during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. USC won 31-26. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Frank Darby has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, Darby posted on social media Monday afternoon.
“Everything you go through in life prepares you for the next level. I’m thankful for this moment”. Captain StuuupidSwole time has come. Excited for what’s next in the process 😈#getswole-eatswole-stayswole #StuuupidSwole #roadtodraft pic.twitter.com/2Qt3kZhYzP
— Frank Darby (@_SavageSZN8) December 21, 2020
Darby, a graduate student, did have an opportunity to return next season with the NCAA voting in August to provide an extra year of eligibility to division one fall athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been an amazing five years filled with great memories and people, here at ASU,” Darby said in an Instagram post, adding he believes it’s time to turn the page to the next chapter. “Throughout this journey, I have grown and allowed each experience to shape me into the person I am today.
“I want to take the time to say thank you to all of the fans, families and supporting staff who has opened their arms for me in this unfamiliar state.”
Darby came to Tempe from Jersey City, N.J. as a three-star recruit, according to 247 Sports, and played in 40 games across four seasons with the team, accumulating 1,317 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His best season came in 2019 when he caught 31 passes for 616 yards and eight touchdowns, all career highs, and earned Pac-12 honorable mention accolades.
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During the shortened 2020 season, where three games were canceled due to positive coronavirus tests within the program, Darby caught six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown in two games.
Most of that production came in the loss against UCLA, as he only caught one pass for two yards before leaving the season-opening game against USC due to a rib injury.
He missed the team’s final game of the season on Saturday, a win against Oregon State, as he was not with the team because of a family matter, according to The Athletic’s Doug Haller.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner prior to the start of the season named Darby as a top Pac-12 prospect to watch.
Should he go in the first round of next year’s draft, Darby would mark the third straight year an Arizona State wideout has gone in the opening round.
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