My guess is that he’s made the decision to declare for the NFL draft. Just for inference, PFF right now has him as a 6th/7th RD pick. He’d probably do himself a favor by returning for one more season.
Yeah, Coach Whitt has said he encourages players to get out there on Senior Day if there is any chance they are leaving for draft as you can always walk again, but he’d rather not have them miss the opportunity to be honored by the teams and fans.
I don’t think so. If you have a good indication that you’ll get drafted and make at least the minimums for your position, and that amount is significantly more than any NIL money, why not take it. Could come back and potentially help your draft position but odds are against that. Injuries, being a year older, and potentially playing yourself out of the draft are all possibilities. Take the money when you can get it and be smart with it.