Maclin bids tearful farewell to Tigers

By DAVE MATTER of the Tribune’s staff

Published Friday, January 9, 2009

Nick King photo

All-American wide receiver Jeremy Maclin wipes away tears during a press conference today announcing his decision to declare for the NFL draft rather than return to Missouri.

•	Video: Maclin bids farewell to Tigers
•	Video: Pinkel on Maclin's departure

Jeremy Maclin’s lip quivered and tears rolled down his cheeks as he officially became a former Missouri football player this morning.

One of the fastest players to ever put on a Tigers uniform has worn it for the last time. The two-time All-American announced that he will forego his final two years of eligibility and enter April’s NFL draft.

"As much as I love these guys on this team, the guys I came in with, I feel like I’m ready for the next level," he said during a news conference at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex. "And that’s what my heart tells me to do."

On Tuesday, the NFL Draft Advisory Committee informed Maclin that he projected as a first-round selection in the April draft, giving him the green light he had sought to leave MU after his redshirt sophomore season.

"I was kind of going back and forth," he said. "It was a long process."

As decision time loomed - underclassmen have until next Thursday to enter the draft - Maclin spent last night in St. Louis at the home of Jeff and Cindy Parres, his surrogate parents. MU assistant coach Cornell Ford, who recruited Maclin out of Kirkwood High School, stopped by the house and had a long conversation with Maclin about his choice. Still, Maclin said he didn’t finalize his decision until he met this morning with Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel and MU wide receivers coach Andy Hill.

"It’s been very emotional," Maclin said. "I’m leaving a family. This is my family. This is where I belong. All those guys are like father figures to me. They didn’t teach me how to just be a football player. They taught me how to be a man on and off the field."

Already choked up, Maclin took a few more questions before breaking down in tears. He briefly left the room as Pinkel relieved him at the lectern. Pinkel said he advised Maclin to enter the draft.

"Deep down," Pinkel said, "you have to say, ‘Am I ready to do this? Do I really want to do this?’ Because no one can tell you, even though you’re a first-round pick, that you’re ready inside. … He asked me if I thought he was ready, and I said, ‘Yeah, I do think you’re ready.’ Maybe that’s being too honest, but it’s the truth."

Maclin leaves Missouri holding 18 single-game, single-season and career records, including the all-time mark for all-purpose yardage (5,609). He led the Football Bowl Subdivision in that category last season with 2,833 yards.

As a sophomore, he set single-season school records for receptions (102), receiving yards (1,260) and touchdown catches (13).

"For us, we’re always hoping the best players stay for a hundred years, but the good news for him is he’s ready to do this," Hill said. "He’s physically ready. He’s mentally ready. And he’s got the talent to do it."

Reach Dave Matter at (573) 815-1781 or dmatter@tribmail.com.