In this era of college football, it's no surprise to see star players skip their bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft. It happens more now than ever before. Nobody can really blame them, honestly, but it still isn't easy to deal with.
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When the Texas A&M Aggies play the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, head coach Jimbo Fisher will have to do so without star junior defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. The 6-foot-3, 304-pounder is officially leaving after three strong seasons in College Station.
He announced his decision to skip his final year in a touching letter on social media.
?DT Justin Madubuike Says Goodbye to Texas A&M Football
A McKinney, Texas, native, Madubuike never missed a game during his time at Texas A&M. The defensive lineman finishes his career with 62 total tackles, including 24.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks, five pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and an interception.
Although he was never named to an All-SEC team, Madubuike, who led the Aggies with seven quarterback pressures this season, felt his time in the NCAA was over.
"To the 12th Man,
"I would like to thank Texas A&M University for the opportunity to attend the most prestigious university there is. My time as an Aggie has been the best 3 years of my life. This program not only helped me grow as a student athlete but as a man and a leader. There are so many people I want to thank but most importantly I would like to thank God, my family, Coach Fisher, Coach Elko & Coach Robinson. To my teammates that became brothers just know I have nothing but love & respect for you guys. Thank you to all the staff at Texas A&M for ensuring my success on and off the field. I will miss the feeling of running on to Kyle Field to over 100,000 of the best fans in the world, but I know Aggie Nation is behind me strong.
"After speaking with my family, praying and thinking about the next step I have decided to forego my senior season and I will be declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. I will not be playing in the bowl game this year. I am excited to my childhood dream into reality."
Madubuike held his own against the likes of LSU, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia throughout his career. He's now ready to see where he lands in the 2020 NFL Draft.
