Maryland defensive tackle Randy Starks appears ready to skip his senior season to enter the NFL Draft, according to sources.
Starks couldn’t be reached for comment, but sources close to him yesterday said he was leaning heavily toward applying by today’s deadline for the April24 draft after being projected as a possible late first-round selection by an NFL personnel panel. Starks has not signed with an agent, which permits him to return to Maryland.
Starks is expected to turn pro after earning All-ACC honors last season. Following the final Gator Bowl practice on Dec.30, players circled around Starks and chanted “Randy, Randy” as their farewell tribute.
A preseason contender for the Lombardi and Outland Trophies as the nation’s best lineman, Starks shook off a slow start to record 72 tackles and 71/2 sacks despite being double teamed. The 20-year-old Starks also posted a team-record 765-pound squat lift.
Starks met with Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen on Friday for two hours about a possible return since a strong senior season could vault him into the top 10 of the draft. However, Starks earlier said a possible late first-round rating probably would force his exit even though close relationships with teammates made the decision more difficult.
“If I’m one of the early picks it’s hard [to stay],” he said recently.
Still, it’s a risky move because opinions on Starks are mixed. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper said Starks might be a late first-rounder. However, several NFL personnel officials said Starks could slip to the second or possibly third round and a six- or seven-figure loss in signing bonus and overall contract.
Starks would become the third prominent junior defensive tackle to declare for the draft. Oklahoma’s Tommie Harris might be a top-10 pick while Miami’s Vince Wolfork is also a probable first-rounder. Florida State senior Darnell Dockett might also be chosen ahead of Starks.
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