Ta’Quon Graham makes it four Longhorns who have opted out
AUSTIN, Texas — The college experience is supposed to prepare students for life after college, right?
That theory seems to be resonating with particular clarity with the Texas football team. For the fourth time in two weeks, a Longhorn player announced his decision to opt out of the rest of this season and any future eligibility when defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham announced Saturday that he would skip the Longhorns’ bowl game, as well as the extra year of eligibility offered to all athletes in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in order to begin his preparation for the NFL Draft.
“With the regular season officially over, I feel it's time to say my goodbyes and start to prepare for the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine as the next steps in fulfilling my dream of playing in the NFL,” Graham said in a statement released through the UT athletic department. “I want to thank the University of Texas faithful, my teammates, my coaches, the football staff, my friends and my supportive and loving family.”
Graham amassed 72 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 48 games (24 starts) during his career at UT. A team captain in 2020, he ranks third on the team with seven tackles for loss, is tied for second with two sacks and tied for the team lead with a pair of quarterback hurries.
“I will always hold my hand high, while extending my index and pinky fingers to form the most recognizable college symbol in the world,” Graham said. “Being a Longhorn is what football in the state of Texas is all about and wearing Burnt Orange is a true privilege. I will always remember my time here and will miss you all. Hook 'em Horns!"
