UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte reported to declare for the NFL draft
UCLA wide receiver Thomas Duarte celebrates after making a catch against Washington State in November.
UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte has declared for the NFL draft, according to a report from the Orange County Register.
Duarte’s father told the paper that he filed his paperwork on Monday.
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The unexpected departure leaves quarterback Josh Rosen without his top two receivers from last season. Duarte was second on the team with 53 catches for 872 yards, and he led the team with 10 touchdowns.
UCLA is also losing Jordan Payton, who caught 78 cards for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns, to graduation.
Seven returning receivers caught at least one pass last season. They combined for 85 receptions for 1,000 yards.
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Duarte is the sixth UCLA player to leave early for the NFL draft. He joins defensive lineman Kenny Clark, linebacker Myles Jack, running back Paul Perkins and offensive linemen Alex Redmond and Caleb Benenoch.
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