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Missouri DL Charles Harris declares for NFL draft

Sam Cooper
·College football writer
Charles Harris combined for 117 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over the last two seasons at Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Charles Harris combined for 117 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks over the last two seasons at Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Missouri defensive lineman Charles Harris is headed to the NFL.

Harris announced his decision Thursday, saying he would would bypass his final season of collegiate eligibility to pursue an NFL career. The redshirt junior has been one of the better defensive linemen in the SEC over the past two seasons, combining for 117 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.

“Charles and I have had a few conversations about his future,” Tigers head coach Barry Odom said in a release. “I am extremely proud of his approach on a very big decision. Certainly, I wish we could have another year with Charles leading our program, but there’s no question in my mind that he’s ready for the next level.

“He knew the time would come to make a decision, but his primary focus was always this team and doing what he could to make himself better and to help his teammates and coaches. Charles was voted as a team captain, which shows the level of competitor he is and the respect he had on this team. We’re going to miss him, no doubt, but it’s time for him to take his talents to the NFL. We’ll be beaming with pride when we turn on the TV on Sundays and see Charles out there representing Mizzou.”

Overall, Harris finishes his career with 136 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and five forced fumbles. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2015 when he had 56 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He followed that big year up with 61 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks this year. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, Harris had 19 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.

Harris is on pace to graduate from Missouri after next semester, he said in a news conference.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Harris is projected by some to be a first round selection in April’s NFL draft.

For more Missouri news, visit PowerMizzou.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!