Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Penei Sewell will not play in 2020. Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon star OL Penei Sewell opts out of 2020 season to prepare for 2021 NFL Draft

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/7/20

Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell became the biggest name to opt out of the 2020 college football season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

On Monday, Sewell explained his decision via a statement he shared on Twitter.

Thank You. pic.twitter.com/5j5agPK82r
— Penei Sewell (@peneisewell58) September 7, 2020

Sewell earned handfuls of awards and honors during his stint at Oregon. Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus called the 2019 unanimous First-Team All-American "the best offensive tackle prospect we've ever graded here at PFF.

"Penei Sewell is quite easily the best offensive tackle prospect we've ever graded here at PFF." - @PFF_Mike

pic.twitter.com/GasJKzpmbm
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 7, 2020

Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports all project Sewell to be a top-three pick in next year's draft class. Walter Football currently predicts Sewell will be a top-four selection.

Charlie Campbell of Walter Football wrote:

"Sewell had a dominant sophomore season as the blind-side protector for Justin Herbert. Possessing good size, length, and athleticism, Sewell has a good skill set that could end up making him one of the top prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft. For his excellent 2019 season, Sewell won the Outland Trophy and was the Pac-12 co-offensive player of the year.

"Sewell was a shutdown pass protector as a freshman as well, not allowing a sack in over 926 snaps. He only was credited with allowing seven pressures and two hits all season."

The Pac-12 and Big Ten both postponed football and other fall sports because of the uncontrolled virus outbreak on Aug. 11.

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