Linebacker Josh Uche has announced that he will declare for the NFL draft, though he will still play in Michigan’s bowl game.
“Me and my family have made the decision to forego my final season of eligibility and enter my name in the NFL Draft,” Uche said in a statement on Twitter. “I am still working hard with my teammates to win our 10th game of the season in the Bowl Game and I am excited to represent Michigan one last time.
“I want to thank Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, Coach (Don) Brown, and all my coaches for believing in a kid from Miami, Florida and giving me a chance to come to Michigan. Thank you for pushing me to be my very best in every way and for giving me the chance to be a Wolverine.”
One of the Wolverines’ top pass-rushers the past two years, Uche played in all 12 games this season and finished with 11.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He was named to the All-Big Ten second team by coaches and the third team by media.
Uche is officially listed as a senior on Michigan’s roster but played in just four games his freshman year. With the new four-game redshirt rule coming into effect last year, Uche potentially could have earned an extra year of eligibility should he have chosen to remain with the program.
Additionally, redshirt sophomore linebacker Jordan Anthony has entered the transfer portal, per reports. Anthony was a four-star prospect out of IMG Academy in Florida but has played in just 16 games in two years and had little impact on the stat sheet. In 2019, he appeared in nine games and finished with 11 tackles and a quarterback hurry.
Anthony has not commented publicly on his decision, but his spot in the linebacker rotation was in question due to redshirt freshman Cameron McGrone’s emergence at middle linebacker and junior Josh Ross’ decision to redshirt this season after injury.