​With the early-entry NFL Draft deadline for underclassmen fast approaching, the Compliance Office would like to provide some important reminders to football student-athletes with remaining eligibility that seek to "test the waters" as it relates to the pursuit of a potential professional football career.

The NFL Draft early-entry deadline for underclassmen is Tues., Jan. 15. Student-athletes that enter the draft early are required to sign, and have notarized, a petition for special eligibility with the NFL, which renounces all remaining collegiate eligibility. Student-athletes may regain eligibility by declaring their intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 72 hours of the draft declaration deadline. This declaration must be in writing to the student-athlete's Athletics Director no later than midnight on Fri., Jan. 18.

Student-athletes must NOT partake in any of the following activities during the draft evaluation process (or at any other time) in order to protect their intercollegiate eligibility:

1. Agree orally or in writing to be represented by an agent or any individual acting on behalf of an agent.
2. Accept any benefits from an agent, a prospective agent or any individual acting on behalf of an agent.
3. Participate in a tryout with a professional team that lasts longer than 48 hours and is not personally financed.
4. Participate in a tryout with a professional team during the academic year and miss class.

Football student-athletes, coaches and staff members are encouraged to review the NCAA memorandum (displayed below) for further information regarding the 2013 NFL Draft, Tryouts and Agents.