Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal declares for NFL Draft

Texas A&M star junior defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal on Wednesday announced that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

Leal made the announcement with a message on Instagram. There was no mention of whether or not he plans to play in the Aggies’ bowl game.

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His decision was expected. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder is a projected first-round draft choice. Some mock drafts have him being selected as high as third overall.

Leal came to A&M in 2019 as a five-star rated prospect out of Converse Judson. He was the No. 2 rated recruit in the state of Texas — behind teammate Kenyon Green — and the No. 16 rated prospect in the nation.

Leal broke into A&M’s starting lineup midway through his freshman season. He posted 38 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3.5 more tackles for loss and was credited with five quarterback hurries.

The next season, Leal emerged as one of the top defenders on the A&M defense. He recorded 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries in just ten games.

He had an interception against Alabama. He recovered a fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown in a 41-38 victory over Florida. He also forced a fumble against Tennessee.

Incredulously, Leal did not earn All-Southeastern Conference recognition. However, entering the 2021 season, he was established as one of the premier defensive players in the SEC and an All-American candidate.

Moving between end and tackle this season, Leal has posted 58 tackles. That’s the highest tackle total in the SEC by a defensive lineman. Leal also has 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, two passes broken up and a forced fumble.

If Leal does not play in the upcoming bowl game, he leaves A&M with 133 career tackles, 25.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries.