Texas cornerback Holton Hill leaving after junior season to enter NFL draft

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas junior cornerback Holton Hill will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Hill announced the move in a statement released by the school Monday. Hill was suspended in November for an unspecified violation of team rules and didn't play in the final three games. He was not expected to play for Texas (6-6) in the Texas Bowl against Missouri (7-5).

"After careful consideration with my family, I have made the decision to forgo my senior year and turn my focus towards training for the NFL Draft," Hill said in a statement.

"The past three years at Texas have been a great learning experience for me, and I appreciate everyone who has helped me throughout my college career, especially Coach Herman, Coach Washington, Coach Orlando and Coach Strong. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to play for such an amazing program at The University of Texas, and I know the values that have been instilled in me and lessons I’ve learned will continue to propel me forward at the next level."

Hill is the fourth underclassman to leave Texas for the draft or transfer after coach Tom Herman's first season. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Hill was the Longhorns' top cornerback on a much-improved defense for most of the season. He had two interceptions and scored three defensive touchdowns.

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