Michigan star junior linebacker Junior Colson told ESPN he is leaving school early for the NFL draft.
Colson, a linebacker who weighs 247 pounds and stands 6 feet 3 inches, will add exceptional speed and high-end production to this year’s draft class. Rated as the No. 3 linebacker by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and the No. 2 linebacker by ESPN’s Field Yates, Colson projected as a top-50 choice, according to NFL scouts.
In a phone interview, Colson told ESPN, “just to be able to finish it off strong and go out on a strong note.” “Over the past few weeks, I’ve discussed it with my coaches and family. I sense that the moment is now. I’ve participated in a number of collegiate football games and proven my abilities. I think this is a good moment and chance for a tiny Haitian child to go out.”
The third-year junior Colson concluded the season with a team-high 95 tackles, which is thirty more than the next-closest Wolverine. He won the Lott Award for efforts on and off the field and is a unique three-year contributor who started in the College Football Playoff all three seasons, including against Georgia as a true freshman.
Colson recorded a team-high 11 tackles against Ohio State, 10 against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, and 6 in the Wolverines’ national title victory over Washington to cap off a remarkable career.
Colson stated he is eager to demonstrate his skills and that he will compete for the first linebacker selected in the draft.
speed in the pre-draft process, as he’s expected to run somewhere in the 4.4 range in the 40-yard dash.
Colson won the award for Michigan’s toughest player, playing essentially the final two months of the season with
a wrap on his hand that he broke against Purdue on Nov. 4. Despite the injuries, he continued playing the game.
Colson summarized his other qualities that he will bring to the NFL as being his speed, coverage prowess, and adaptability.
“Just to be able to go out there and show that I’m that true sideline-to-sideline linebacker,” he stated. “I do possess all the tools in the toolbox, including a long wingspan and everything a team needs.
“I do see myself as the best backer in this draft.”
Colson said he’s spent the days after the national title game grasping significance of the victory, all while heading to Dallas to begin training. He will return to Ann Arbor for the parade Saturday.
“I’ve truly just been processing it,” Colson said. “Just a true processing that we truly just won the national championship. You never truly understand how great it would feel, being able to win and go out and do that. It’s
incredible. It exists on an entirely distinct plane.”
For Colson, himself, the path to the NFL draft is just one more amazing turning point in an incredible life story. Born in Haiti, he was adopted at the age of nine and relocated to the Nashville, TN, area.
Colson is excited about this next step and has savored every opportunity, especially considering his modest beginnings.
“Oh my goodness, what a huge,” he exclaimed. “Every chance I’ve had, coming from a third-world nation, has been unique. I am incredibly fortunate in whatever I do. I’m quite fortunate. Many people who are in my situation never make it to this stage. It is simply amazing to be here at this point in my life.”
Colson expressed gratitude to his parents, Steve and Melanie Colson, for their support.
“I have a huge appreciation and love for them,” he stated. They are my people, and they are my parents. They have accompanied me on my journey at every turn. They have been my staunchest allies. I’m delighted to have this chance and this moment with them.”
Colson expressed his gratitude for his three seasons at Michigan as well as for everything the staff done for him.
“I think M was able to turn me from a little kid from Nashville, Tennessee, to become a household name,” he stated. “They helped turn me into a gentleman, and a man my parents would be proud of.”
