2012 NFL Draft: Alshon Jeffery and Others Declaring for the Draft

LaMichael James threw his hat into the ring this week for the 2012 NFL draft, according to the Associated Press (h/t USA Today). Now that Capital One Bowl week has commenced, several other high-profile college athletes will be forgoing the opportunity to stay on campus.

The next couple weeks we will see several athletes from programs across the country declare themselves eligible for the NFL draft, many of whom will be taken in the first two to three rounds of the draft.

James was a big domino to fall this week with several other first-round-quality talents announcing they too will be playing on Sundays next week. Who else joined him this week?

Virginia Tech: David Wilson

David Wilson announced at a news conference today, according to USA Today, that he would not be returning to Blacksburg, Virginia next fall. The Virginia Tech Hokies running back is ready to cash in after an entertaining game versus the Michigan Wolverines in the Sugar Bowl.

Wilson enjoyed a great season in Blacksburg. He was named a second-team All-American after recording 1,709 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2011.

He's currently projected as a second-round pick in the NFL draft but could see his status rise if he turns out a positive combine performance in the spring. The athletic Wilson is also an All-American track athlete for the Hokies.

That should help his combine outing and his overall stock before the draft in April.

Michigan State: Jerel Worthy

The Michigan State defensive tackle has decided that life in the NFL is more up his alley next fall. The first-team All-American helped the Michigan State Spartans maintain the Big Ten's top defensive unit in 2011.

Jerel Worthy stated the reasons behind his big decision.

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"I feel like the timing is right for me to pursue my dream of playing in the National Football League. As a team, we went out and accomplished most of our goals: winning a Big Ten Championship (2010), playing in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, beating Michigan multiple times and winning a New Year's Day bowl game. In addition, I was able to accomplish my personal goal of being named a consensus All-American. So those were all key factors in my decision to enter the NFL Draft."

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Worthy is projected to be the No. 33 pick from the Indianapolis Colts. Being the first pick of the second round could see the defensive tackle slide into the first round.

Most teams would have him as an immediate starter at the next level. Any team that drafts the former Spartan will be planning to do just that.

South Carolina: Alshon Jeffery

The South Carolina Gamecocks took a huge blow to their hopes of returning to the SEC Championship for a second time in three years in 2012.

Their standout wide receiver Alshon Jeffery declared this week that he would be leaving Columbia for the NFL. Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller has Jeffery going No. 8 in the draft to the Carolina Panthers in his seven-round mock draft.

Jeffrey's stock may have taken a minor hit due to a less-than-stellar follow-up to his outstanding sophomore season. NFL scouts and team personnel may be concerned with Jefferey's character.

Either way, Jeffrey will be playing on Sundays next season and will be a first-round draft pick. Jeffrey will go down as one of the best players to ever come out of Columbia, South Carolina.

Oklahoma State: Justin Blackmon

Justin Blackmon was so excited to announce that he would be making the leap to the NFL that he grabbed a cheerleader and gave her a big smooch.

Winning the Oklahoma State's first BCS bowl and being named the bowl's MVP probably factored into that as well.

In case you didn't watch the thrilling game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Stanford Cardinal, Blackmon announced his intentions to enter the draft on live television.

Blackmon could very likely be a top-10 draft pick and will certainly be a first-round pick.

He recorded 113 catches and 1,337 receiving yards during the regular season. His speed, power and strong hands make him a dangerous weapon and should see him succeed in the NFL.

Oregon: LaMichael James

The latest name to announce he will be leaving behind his amateur career is LaMichael James. The Oregon Ducks have enjoyed their surge into the national spotlight and a large part of that can be attributed to James' performance during his time at Oregon.

The Ducks were one game away from being national champions last season and outscored the Big Ten's Wisconsin Badgers in a memorable Rose Bowl earlier this week.

LaMichael James has incredible acceleration and top speed that will easily translate to the NFL level. He has 53 career touchdowns and 5,049 career rushing yards. He'll certainly go down as one of the best Pac-12 running backs of all time.

However, his small 5'9", 185-pound frame makes you wonder how he'll be able to hold up in the NFL.

Whether or not someone is willing to take the risk and make James an every-down back will remain to be seen. For the time being, James must focus on the NFL combine.