VT's Caleb Farley Opts out of 2020 CFB Season, Will Prepare for 2021 NFL Draft

Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley will opt out of the 2020 season and instead train for the 2021 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

"Though the competitor in me badly wants to play this season, I cannot ignore what's going on in my heart and I must make the decision that brings me the most peace," Farley said.

The redshirt junior also noted his mother died of an illness in 2018 and he "can not afford to lose another parent or loved on."

He joins Illinois running back Ra'Von Bonner among the first college football players to choose not to play this year. Over two dozen NFL players have already opted out for both voluntary reasons or being at high-risk of contracting COVID-19.

There have been several notable adjustments to the 2020 college football season due to the coronavirus, including canceled games and limited or no fans allowed at stadiums. The Pac-12 and Big Ten are both taking part in conference-only schedules.

The ACC announced Wednesday it has also altered its schedule with 10 conference games and one non-conference game.

Farley's decision will affect Virginia Tech, which will also now have to compete without one of its best players.

Farley is a two-year starter and is coming off a huge sophomore season where he was named first-team All-ACC. He matched up against some of the best receivers in the conference, totaling four interceptions and an ACC-high 16 passes defended.

Not only was he added to the Thorpe Award watch list for the best defensive backs in the country, but he also was ranked the No. 16 overall player in college football by 247Sports.

He will now skip the season and instead prepare for the draft, where he will hope to be a first-round pick. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller listed him as his top cornerback in the class going into the season.