Former Alabama Crimson Tide commit, and current UCF wide receiver Javon Baker has reversed paths on his college football future. Initially, Baker, following the Gasparilla Bowl, revealed that he would be returning to the program for another season under head coach Gus Malzahn. However, since then, the senior wide receiver has had a change of heart. On Monday, Baker announced that he has decided to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Baker announced his intention to head to the next level with this message attached.
“First, I’d like to give thanks to The Most High for blessing me with the ability to play for a school like UCF. I would like to begin by saying thank you to the passionate UCF fans, Coach Malzahn, and all the coaches, along with the NIL team at The Kingdom, for making the past two years unforgettable for my family and me. The Bounce House has some of the most devoted college football fans anywhere. After careful consideration and discussion, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft and embark on the next phase of my journey. Thank you, Knight Nation,” said Baker.
Baker spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Alabama before transferring to UCF ahead of the 2022 season. With the Crimson Tide, he played in 19 games, recording nine catches for 116 yards and one touchdown. With the Knights, Baker played in 27 games and recorded 108 catches for 1935 yards and 12 touchdowns. Baker would also average a whopping 21.9 yards per reception in 2023 behind a 52 catch 1139 yard season.
More on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.
The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.
Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.
The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.
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