Thomas Duarte has declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, the junior receiver’s father told the Orange County Register on Tuesday. Duarte reportedly filed his paperwork Monday.
Duarte led the team with 10 touchdowns, and followed senior receiver Jordan Payton with with 53 catches for 872 yards.
The departure of offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone to Texas A&M was one of the final factors, according to Tim Duarte.
“It kind of helped to make his decision,” Tim Duarte told the Register. “(Mazzone) really recruited him and really had the confidence in him coming out of high school. Thomas was a perfect fit for his offense.”
By forgoing his senior season, Duarte leaves the Bruins with just one of their top-five receivers entering 2016 – redshirt sophomore Darren Andrews.
READ MORE: Receiver Thomas Duarte continues to up game with passion, work ethic
Duarte is the sixth UCLA underclassmen to enter the draft, joining linebacker Myles Jack, offensive guard Alex Redmond, defensive tackle Kenny Clark, running back Paul Perkins and offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch. Jack and Redmond left the Bruins before the end of the season, while the others made their announcements in the weeks following UCLA’s bowl loss to Nebraska.
Ohio State is the only program with more underclassman draft declarations at nine. The next most after UCLA is Notre Dame with five.
Compiled by Tanner Walters, Bruin Sports senior staff.