Bruins’ Goodwin to Turn Pro; Wheatley Won’t

UCLA defensive back Marvin Goodwin has joined teammate Jamir Miller on the list of those deciding to forgo collegiate eligibility to make themselves available for the NFL draft.

Other underclassmen who made such announcements Monday included Alabama receiver David Palmer, third in the Heisman Trophy voting, and Auburn tailback James Bostic, the leading rusher in the Southeastern Conference. Monday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the pro draft.

Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, who has rushed for 3,034 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns, and flanker Joey Galloway, who tied an Ohio State record with 11 touchdown catches this season, said they would remain in school.

Goodwin, a junior safety from Camden, N.J., led the Bruins in interceptions with seven, including one in the end zone with 50 seconds to play against USC that put UCLA in the Rose Bowl and another in the 21-16 Rose Bowl loss to Wisconsin. Goodwin was ejected in the third quarter of the Rose Bowl game for fighting. Goodwin led UCLA in tackles with 76.

He indicated before the Rose Bowl that he was considering leaving, saying: “I’m flat broke.” Monday he said: “The decision is based primarily on my belief that I am ready to play in the NFL. Financial considerations entered in my decision, but they were not (primary).”