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2021 NFL Draft: Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley opts out of season

By Nicholas McGee

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: Caleb Farley #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates with teammates against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: Caleb Farley #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates with teammates against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Caleb Farley, a 2021 NFL Draft prospect, has opted out of the season.

Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley has become the first player to opt-out of the 2020 college football season, electing to focus on his training for the 2021 NFL Draft.

With plans for a college campaign that will likely be restricted to conference-only schedules still very much up in the air amid the public health crisis, it had been expected that prospects in the mix to go early in next April’s draft would turn their focus to the pros earlier than usual.

Farley has come to that decision following a 2019 season that solidified his status as one of the premier cornerback prospects in the 2021 class.

Announcing his withdrawal in a video sent to ESPN, Farley said:

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"“I am opting out due to uncertain health conditions and regulations. I tragically lost my mother in January 2018 to an illness and I cannot afford to lose another parent or loved one.“Though the competitor in me badly wants to play this season, I cannot ignore what is going on in my heart and I must make a decision that brings me the most piece."

Where does his draft stock stand?

Farley opting out is a completely understandable decision given the tragedy he suffered two years ago. In the significantly less important context of his preparations for the draft, his absence from the 2020 season will help ensure he is in peak condition for the Combine and his pro day.

Everything he has done in his time with the Hokies suggests he should wow NFL evaluators when those events come around.

Farley has the ideal frame for boundary corner work in the NFL at 6ft 2in and 207 pounds. He excels at mirroring receivers and has the physicality, length and patience to excel in press coverage. He displayed excellent ball skills last year, which he finished with four interceptions and 12 passes defensed.

Next. 2021 NFL Draft: Examining the three-way battle for QB1. dark

Even for a player who only has two seasons of college experience, Farley ticks so many of the boxes teams look for at cornerback. He has come to this decision for admirable reasons and it is one that should benefit him as he looks to make the jump from promising college corner to an elite NFL player at the position.

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