Justin Madubuike declares for NFL draft, won't play in Texas Bowl

Texas A&M junior defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has opted to forego his senior season and declare for the NFL draft. He also has indicated he will sit out the Texas Bowl matchup between the Aggies and Oklahoma State on December 27.

Madubuike made the announcement on Thursday via Instagram and Twitter.

In his post he wrote: “After speaking with my family, praying and thinking about the next step I have decided to forego my senior season and I will be declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. I will not be playing in the bowl game this year. I am excited to be one step closer to turning my childhood dream into reality.”

Madubuike was named to the Associated Press All-SEC second team defense after posting 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, seven quarterback pressures and 11.5 tackles for loss.

He arrived at A&M as a four-star defensive end recruit out of McKinney North High School in 2016. He literally outgrew the defensive end position as he developed into a 6-foot-3, 304 pounder, but he retained quickness and agility.

After a redshirt season, Madubuike made 20 tackles, forced a fumble and blocked a kick while in a backup role in 2017.

He enjoyed a breakout year in 2018 in which he posted 40 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.

Madubuike completes his A&M career with 105 tackles, 11 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.

His departure will leave a hole in the middle of the A&M defensive line that figures to be filled by junior Jayden Peevy.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Peevy has registered 32 tackles, 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in a backup role this season. He also has broken up a pass and blocked a kick.