Darden declares for NFL draft

[NorthTexasSportsNetwork]

What a career. Thank you, JD!

[meangreen11]

GOAT

[Charlie NT 73]

I have enjoyed watching you play football for the Mean Green as well as countless fans! 

Good luck to you in the NFL draft and to a great NFL career! 

Thank you sir! Job well done!

[UNT Texas Hooligan]

Break the draft drought, 🐐

[glick1980]

What a great player!  Very excited for him!

[PlummMeanGreen]

As you should have.  
Thanks Mr. Darden—only the best for you.

💚 GMG!

[El Paso Eagle]

I think, and hope, this is the right move and the right time for him. His brand value is peaking at the right time. I wish him the best. 

[emmitt01]

What will hold him back, I think, is the competition level.  
 

I have no doubt he’s got all the talent and drive to succeed, it’s not him I question AT ALL, but I think some may look at who he played and have reservations.

[untcampbell]

Mr. Darden,

 

As is our wont, some of the greatest individual performances at North Texas come in front of its smallest crowds. Like Lance Dunbar’s final game against Middle Tennessee on a cold, damp November night, my son and I watched with glee your fantastic last game at Apogee Friday evening.

The punt return against Rice in 2017 will always standout for me. I met Andrew Smith’s parents that day. And then you do this:

 

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400938672

(I hope it linked right....the PR was the lead highlight when I copied it)

 

Wishing you great success, and peace and comfort for you and your family.

 

GMG

[UNTLifer]

3 minutes ago, emmitt01 said:

What will hold him back, I think, is the competition level.  
 

I have no doubt he’s got all the talent and drive to succeed, it’s not him I question AT ALL, but I think some may look at who he played and have reservations.

I think they will look at his size and dismiss him. The NFL is all about the measurables. I hope Kansas City drafts him. He needs an innovative system to take advantage of his skills. 

[NorthTexasSportsNetwork]

5 minutes ago, UNTLifer said:

I think they will look at his size and dismiss him. The NFL is all about the measurables. I hope Kansas City drafts him. He needs an innovative system to take advantage of his skills. 

That would be a terrific system to be in. He would fit well. 

[El Paso Eagle]

I guess the next quest - Does Dion Novil come back? Would not blame him if he moved on, but whereas Darden's value has most likely peaked, I think Novil could benefit from another year. Hope he listens to "experts" and not just an agent.

[Hunter Green]

13 minutes ago, emmitt01 said:

What will hold him back, I think, is the competition level.  
 

I have no doubt he’s got all the talent and drive to succeed, it’s not him I question AT ALL, but I think some may look at who he played and have reservations.

Agreed. However, he has Jeff Wilson and J. Guyton to look for inspiration and hope. Keep the faith and work ethic, J.D.

[bstnsportsfan3]

This is the right move for Darden. Really hope he breaks our draft drought! Thanks for all you did for the Green and White. It was a pleasure watching you play! GO MEAN GREEN! 

[UNT_FH_FR_YR]

I cannot imagine what I am going to feel when his name is called. We must break the streak!!!

[greeneagle1]

Is he playing in the bowl game?

[southsideguy]

no bowl game,  I guess we get to see what next years team will be like without him.  

[MGNation92]

A player to compare Darden to is Richie James from MTSU.

Similar size (James is 5'10 185) and similar stats, although James only played 2.5 years and Darden played 4.

James was drafted in the 7th round, pick 240

[El Paso Eagle]

I respect and I understand if he does not play but wish he would. If he was projected to be a first day pick I would absolutely agree. It's not like this game is weeks away and taking away from prep time. The two knocks on Darden will be his size and the competition he has played against. I know we could get rolled, but if Darden put up big numbers (which I would expect) it could help.