USC football: Center Marcus Martin announces he will enter NFL draft

USC center Marcus Martin announced Friday that he would forgo his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft.

Martin made his announcement via his Twitter feed:

Martin, who played at Crenshaw High, started two seasons at guard before moving to center this season.

Martin suffered knee and ankle injuries in the regular-season finale against UCLA and did not play in the Trojans’ 42-20 victory over Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Cyrus Hobbi is the only returning center.

Martin is the second player to announce he would turn pro, joining safety Dion Bailey.

Receiver Marqise Lee, who is projected as a possible first-round draft pick, is expected to announce he will make himself available for the draft.

Linebacker Hayes Pullard, defensive back Josh Shaw, defensive lineman George Uko, offensive lineman Aundrey Walker and tailback Javorius Allen are among other players eligible for the draft.