Cornerback becomes fourth Arkansas junior to leave early


January 5, 2004
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas cornerback Ahmad Carroll will skip his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft, the fourth Razorbacks junior to do so in the past month.

``It has always been my dream to play at the next level,'' Carroll said Monday. ``I know that I will need to continue to improve my game, but I believe that it is in my best interest to move forward with my football career.''

The speedy Carroll had 43 tackles and a team-high three interceptions this season for the Razorbacks (9-4). He also had six tackles for loss, seven pass deflections and five quarterback hurries.

In his three-year career at Arkansas, Carroll started 31 games and made 145 tackles, 29 pass deflections and four interceptions.

Also a track star, Carroll became the first Arkansas athlete to garner All-America honors in both the 100 and 200 meters last spring.

He joins tight end Jason Peters, offensive tackle Shawn Andrews and fullback Mark Pierce as Razorbacks juniors who will enter the NFL draft.

Carroll's departure, along with that of senior cornerback Lawrence Richardson, who could have applied for another year of eligibility, leaves the secondary with no returning starters next season.

Before this season, only two Arkansas players had ever left early for the NFL -- free safety Ken Hamlin last year and running back Barry Foster in 1990.