Only reason to make an announcement. He has no more eligibility past this season.
Pat Bryant declares for NFL Draft, opts out of bowl game
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lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
That dude provided some epic memories this year. Can’t wait to watch him tear it up on Sundays.
Why would you choose to do that?
I understand the reasoning of opting out of a bowl game (not that I like it), but shouldn't some consideration be given that an eye opening performance in a significant bowl game (which we will be in), will improve your draft stock?
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If the Illini were getting a shot at Alabama, I'd really hope to have everyone on board, but this would be okay. As things look right now, this is SUPER okay. Go be healthy and be great, @duvalpat3 !!
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- Batavia
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
blackdog
- Champaign
This is such a great problem to have because it means the players and team are having success! We are in a bowl game and we have players doing well enough to be shooting for the draft. Signs of a healthy program
Collin Dixon, Hank Beatty, Alex Capka-Jones, and Malik Elzy (if healthy) all have a great opportunity to get some important reps for next year.
Wonder if Franklin is going to opt out as well?
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
Maybe if he's a projected UDFA they could sell him on being WR1 in this game? Of course who knows if that would add any value vs. just going through the pre-draft process.
This, right here.....I'm especially hoping that Malik Elzy gets the opportunity to shine in this game, and does. Dixon and Beatty are already pretty solidly in the rotation for us, but Elzy was a pretty big get for us in the '23 class and I'm hoping that a game like this could be a springboard for him.
Trust me, whoever we face will very likely have similar problems. This is what non-CFP bowl games are now. It's just an exhibition and opportunity for extra practice. Embrace it for what it is.
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
The good news is it allowed our young wr's to get 15 practices with 1st team reps
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
This is the exact appropriate take. Important practice for players that will be on roster next year, and the ability to enjoy a work vacation in a warmer climate.
If anything, the expansion of the CFP this season will actually reduce the number of high-level opt outs.
Because the Senior Bowl is a showcase for NFL scouts...
Well said.
Enjoy watching some of the younger guys get their moment to show what they can do against another talent team, with little lose (the obvious aside). I would love to see a win, as all fans would, but the reality is if you aren’t competing for a chance at the national championship, saying you won a minor bowl game is peanuts.
Can’t blame any of these kids for opting out.
They should expand the CFP to 16 teams and get rid of the conference championships. Also if the team makes it to the CFP they should give a percentage of the money earned through the playoffs to the team so they can use it towards NIL. They can tier it so the farther the team goes the more money they earn etc. Just gives more of an incentive for a team to compete during the season for the CFP and while in the playoffs. Also if a team makes a bowl game, they should give a percentage of the money to teams so they can use it towards NIL as well just not as high of a percentage if the team were to make it to the CFP but they can have a tier system where the more prestigious bowls have a higher payout and the lesser bowls have a lower payout.
This is what I hate about the game. I fully understand a pro prospect making the choice to do what is best for his future. What I hate is the teams we see play in the bowl games are not whole. They play without their top players just like the Illini did in their last bowl game without 3 defensive Starwalt's and a running back. Now Luke will be without his top receiver. Good luck to Pat and all the athletes opting to try the pro's. Thanks for the memories.
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