Duke CB Mark Gilbert opts out, will enter 2021 NFL Draft

As Max Rego wrote for the Duke Chronicle, Gilbert underwent surgery last month to remove a loose bone fragment in his foot. He hasn't played since a 26-6 loss to Boston College on Sept. 19, during which he notched his only interception of the campaign. 

Once an All-ACC cornerback, Gilbert tallied six interceptions back in 2017 but missed most of the 2018 season and all of 2019 after he suffered a dislocated left hip during a game at Northwestern on Sept. 8, 2018.

Gilbert previously planned to enter the 2019 NFL Draft before that setback. 

“He’s just ready to turn his focus to next year, to his future,” Duke coach David Cutcliffe told reporters on Monday, per Steve Wiseman of The News & Observer. “He’s been a great contributor here. He has gone through so, so much. I certainly wish him well."

Cutcliffe added: 

“Mark is an outstanding athlete. God bless him he’s been through some horrific times as far as rehab, dealing with that hip for two years. You just pray and hope that he can fully recover physically. That’s what he’s trying to focus on. If he does, there’s no question he’ll play in the NFL as a corner.”