Virginia OLB Max Valles declares for the NFL Draft
By Peter Smith
Virginia pass rusher Max Valles has announced that he will forgo the final two years of eligibility and declare for the 2015 NFL Draft. Valles is the second Cavalier to declare for the draft this year with the other being the pass rusher on the other side of their defense in Eli Harold. Just a redshirt sophomore, Valles has been out of high school four years after he spent a year in prep school at Fork Union Military Academy.
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Valles, like Harold, is listed 6’5″ 240lbs and is another pass rusher that offers athleticism and versatility. Under head coach Mike London, the Cavalier pass rushers have experience rushing from a two point stance as well as playing with their hand on the ground and dropping into coverage. This could be a productive year for Virginia in the draft as they not only have Harold and Valles, but safety Anthony Harris will be representing the team in this year’s Senior Bowl.
This year, Valles had 24 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 8 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles and an interception in 12 games. The combination of Valles and Harold proved to be extremely productive for the Cavaliers even if their record was not where the team had hoped this season.