As the Jan. 15 deadline draws closer for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft, one of Miami's top defensive players, tackle Kendrick Norton, has decided to enter the NFL draft.
Another tackle, RJ McIntosh, remained undecided about whether to enter the draft of return to Miami for his senior year, RJ's father Richard told the Sun Sentinel early Monday afternoon.
"As of this moment, he has not made a decision," Richard said of his son, adding that RJ and Norton were speaking on the phone and that the pair had been communicating extensively throughout their respective decision-making processes.
Not long after that conversation, though, Norton took to social media to share his decision, writing on Instagram, "After a lot of thought, prayer, talking to my family and coaches, I've decided to make myself available for the 2018 draft. This decision wasn't an easy one, as I love being a Hurricane, but I feel I'm ready for the next step in realizing my dreams of being an nfl [sic] football player. My time at this school, the experiences with my teammates, Coach [Mark] Richt, Coach [Manny] Diaz and of course, my guy [defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski] as well as the support of the miami [sic] fans everywhere, Sometimes the best decision is not the most popular decision But I Will carry these memories with me forever. Thank you to everyone for the support in my decision. I will always be a Miami Hurricane. GO CANES!"
Earlier Monday, the website CanesInsight.com reported both Norton and McIntosh had decided to enter the draft. Miami has not made an official announcement on the status of either yet, with Richt saying during a radio interview with WQAM 560's Joe Rose early Monday morning that he and his staff had met with both players and their families over the weekend.
"I think they definitely have some things to think about, pray about and decide," Richt said during his radio appearance. "It's truly a family decision. Like we told them, we're not mad if you decide to go, we just want you to be able to make the decision based on the best-available information and do what's best for you."
McIntosh, a Cardinal Gibbons alum, was a second-team All-ACC selection who started all 13 games for Miami last season. He totaled 52 tackles, including 25 solo stops and a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss. He also had 2.5 sacks.
Ahead of Miami's appearance in the Orange Bowl, McIntosh said he had sought draft guidance from the NFL's College Advisory Committee, which he said told him to return to school for his senior year.
The committee places players in one of five categories, potential first-round pick, potential second-round pick, potential third-round round pick, no potential for the first three rounds or no draft potential at all, according to NFL.com.
Norton, meanwhile, was an All-ACC honorable mention selection after finishing with 26 tackles, including 14 solo stops. He had 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Last week, Miami cornerback Michael Jackson announced he would return for his senior year and ahead of the Orange Bowl, safety Jaquan Johnson announced the same.
Hurricanes running back Mark Walton, who missed most of the season with an ankle injury, declared on Dec. 5 he was entering the NFL draft.
