USC’s George Farmer will make himself available for NFL draft

USC receiver George Farmer will forgo his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft.

“This was a hard decision, one I thought over long and hard,” Farmer said in a statement Wednesday. “I received input from my family and the coaches, and ultimately it was my decision. I feel like l am ready for the next level, so I am forgoing my senior year and I will work hard to prepare for the NFL.

“I want to thank everyone at USC, my teammates, the coaches and the fans. I had a great time here and will treasure the opportunities we shared.”

Farmer informed Coach Steve Sarkisian of his decision on Monday, the first day of spring semester classes at USC, and met with him Tuesday.

“George and I met, and I gave him my thoughts about him leaving USC early, the pros and the cons,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “At the end of the day, he made his decision, so we will support him and wish him the best.”

Farmer is the fourth draft-eligible junior to announce he is leaving the Trojans since the end of the season, joining defensive lineman Leonard Williams, receiver Nelson Agholor and running back Javorius Allen.

Farmer’s decision almost certainly caught USC off guard.

This season, after coming back from knee surgery that sidelined him in 2013, the former Gardena Serra High standout caught 25 passes, four for touchdowns.

Farmer’s speed was on display in the Trojans’ regular-season finale against Notre Dame. Farmer caught two touchdown passes, including one for a career-long 48 yards, in USC’s 49-14 victory.

But coaches did not send him on deep routes in USC’s 45-42 Holiday Bowl victory over Nebraska. Farmer caught one pass for four yards.

Farmer finished his career with 30 receptions and four touchdowns.

Farmer’s departure leaves USC with four scholarship receivers: junior Darreus Rogers and sophomores JuJu Smith, Steven Mitchell and Ajene Harris. Sophomore cornerback Adoree’ Jackson also is expected to play more as a receiver next season.

Junior college transfers Isaac Whitney and De’Quan Hampton have committed to USC.