Gators CB Haden leaving early to enter draft

Published Jan. 3, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Florida cornerback Joe Haden is skipping his final year of eligibility and entering the NFL draft.

Haden announced his intentions Sunday, two days after No. 5 Florida beat fourth-ranked Cincinnati 51-24 in the Sugar Bowl.

The All-American led the Gators with four interceptions this season and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back. He also had 68 tackles, 10 pass breakups, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

The first true freshman to start at cornerback for Florida, Haden started every game in three seasons. He finished with 218 tackles and eight interceptions.

He is widely considered college football's top cornerback and is expected to be a top-10 pick in the NFL draft.