After being charged with marijuana possession, Robert Nkemdiche was suspended by Ole Miss for the school’s upcoming game against Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl. As it turns out, the 38-27 victory by the Rebels over rival Mississippi State will end up being the last time Nkemdiche suits up for Ole Miss.
The junior defensive tackle has declared his intention to forego his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
“While I wish I could have finished this journey with my team, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program, and I am ready to begin the next phase of my life,” Nkemdiche said in a statement, via NFL.com.
“I have learned a valuable lesson in the last week, and I look forward to showing NFL personnel that this is not representative of my true character. I want to thank my coaches, my teammates and Rebel Nation for their support these past three years, and I look forward to making them proud for years to come.”
Nkemdiche was named by the Associated Press as a Second Team All-American this season and was a Second Team All-SEC selection. He finished second on the team in sacks (three) and third in tackles for loss (seven). He also scored two rushing touchdowns and had one receiving, a 31-yard score against Tennessee-Martin.
Few will question the physical tools Nkemdiche has, but there will be obvious concerns surrounding whether teams can trust him away from the feel as a result of this latest incident.
