Photo Credit: Jake Roth
Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley has made a major decision today as ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Farley is opting out of the 2020 college football season over COVID concerns and will prep for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley, a projected first-round pick, is the first college player to opt out of the coming season, a source tells ESPN. Farley will spend the year training for the NFL draft. He has seen NFL players opt out and is uncomfortable with playing this year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 29, 2020
Farley also sent the following video message to Schefter and ESPN.
Here is former Virginia Tech CB Caleb Farley’a announcement that he is opting out of the college football season to train and turn pro, sent to ESPN: pic.twitter.com/5j4FmQvGKy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 29, 2020
The Hokies' star cornerback mentioned in his video statement that the passing of his mother in 2018, protecting his family, and "uncertain health conditions and regulations" were influential factors in making his decision to opt out of the 2020 season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Additionally, players opting out in the NFL also were influential in making his decision to opt out of the 2020 CFB season.
Farley had a breakout season in 2019 with 20 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups on his way to earning All-ACC First Team honors. Additionally, metrics consistently rated Farley as not only the best cornerback in ACC, but also among the best in America.
He becomes the most high-profile college football player to date to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns with Farley being seen as a top All-America candidate at cornerback this season. He will be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft and is likely to be a first round pick.
Farley's decision to opt out leaves an opening at cornerback opposite Jermaine Waller with Armani Chatman and Brion Murray being the top contenders to earn the job.
We will have more as this story develops.