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USF's Pierre-Paul will enter NFL draft

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By SCOTT CARTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 7, 2010

Updated: 01/07/2010 04:00 am

TAMPA - University of South Florida junior defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided to pass up his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Pierre-Paul's sister, Nadia, told ESPN.com Wednesday that her brother thought "he had nothing to lose'' by leaving school early.

Pierre-Paul hinted at his decision on the field shortly after USF's win over Northern Illinois in the International Bowl, saying "I did everything I could.'' He made his decision Wednesday after receiving his report from the NFL draft advisory board. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Pierre-Paul is projected as a first-round pick by most analysts.

In his only season at USF, Pierre-Paul led the Bulls with 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. He also had an interception, a blocked kick and two forced fumbles after arriving on campus last summer virtually unknown.

"I'm excited for him,'' USF coach Jim Leavitt said Wednesday evening. "He comes from a family that doesn't have much. I'm proud of him for what he has accomplished. I think it's a good decision, I really do.''

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