Boston College star tight end Hunter Long declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Last week, the Boston College Eagles announced that they were ending their season with a 6-5 record and opting out of participating in a potential bowl game. 

Redshirt junior tight end Hunter Long confirmed on Thursday that he won't be returning to the program and is instead entering the 2021 NFL Draft. 

"I would like to start by thanking my family," Long said in a prepared statement shared by Boston College. "Mom, Dad, Jessica and Hayley, you do not know how much your support has meant to me and how much it has helped me through the highs and lows of my career. I would like to thank all of the coaches that have had a hand in molding the player that I have become. Two coaches I'd especially like to acknowledge are Coach Leonard and Coach Shimko, for I would not be here without your guidance and support. To my brothers at BC, I would not have wanted to play next to anyone else. The brotherhood we formed will last forever and I can't wait to watch you all achieve greatness."

Long ends his collegiate career leading the nation among tight ends for the campaign with 57 catches and 685 receiving yards. He recorded 89 receptions for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns across his three seasons with Boston College. 

"We could not be happier and more supportive of Hunter's decision to enter the NFL Draft," head coach Jeff Hafley added. "Hunter has been a terrific ambassador on and off the field for our program and we can't wait to watch him play on Sundays."

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Long listed as the fifth-best prospect at the TE position in the 2021 class.