By BRETT MARTEL
LSU All-American cornerback Morris Claiborne has decided to leave school a year early to enter the NFL draft, said two people familiar with the decision.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because LSU has not announced Claiborne's decision. LSU has scheduled a press conference Thursday afternoon with coach Les Miles.
Claiborne, who led LSU with six interceptions this season and returned one for a touchdown, also won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. In addition, Claiborne was LSU's top kickoff returner, averaging 25 yards per return with one touchdown that went 99 yards at West Virginia.
He is projected to be a potential top 10 pick in the draft.
Claiborne, who is from Shreveport, initially came to LSU expecting to play wide receiver but was quickly converted to defensive back and played in seven games in a reserve role as a true freshman.
He started 12 games as a sophomore opposite 2010 Thorpe Award winner and current Arizona Cardinal Patrick Peterson. With teams often avoiding throwing to Peterson's side of the field, Claiborne saw a lot of balls come his way and responded with a team-leading five interceptions and also recovered a fumble.
This season, he was part of a defensive backfield that included fellow All-American Tyrann Mathieu.
Claiborne's 11 career interceptions places him in a tie with several other players for sixth all-time at LSU.
