Memphis WR Damonte Coxie opts out of season, will enter the 2021 NFL Draft

In two seasons as a starter and two games this season, Damonte Coxie left a legacy as one of the best receivers in Memphis history. Now he's headed to the next stage of his career.

Coxie made it official on Twitter Monday night that he will forgo his final season of eligibility, and will enter the 2021 NFL Draft. He's the sixth Memphis player to either opt out or take a leave of absence this season.

"Thank you to the University and to the Memphis Fans for all the Love and Support you ha(ve) showed me. You have to know this wasn't easy. I will forever love Memphis and will finish college and get my Degree #CTG #BigBenOut," Coxie tweeted.

The redshirt senior did not play in the Tigers' win against UCF last Saturday and coach Ryan Silverfield said postgame that Coxie was no longer with the team. Silverfield added Monday that Coxie told the staff he was leaving during the middle of the week and it was unexpected.

Memphis had 703 total yards of offense in its win over UCF, fifth most in school history. The Tigers will turn to receivers Calvin Austin III, Javon Ivory and Tahj Washington as Brady White's leading options along with tight end Sean Dykes. Ivory and Washington are redshirt freshmen.

Going forward:How Memphis football's offense moves on after receiver Damonte Coxie's departure

In his announcement, the Louisiana native thanked his family, former Memphis coach Mike Norvell, former wide receivers coach David Johnson, athletic trainer Larry Reynolds and the Tigers coaching staff for developing him. He thanked his teammates for the memories as well as the Tigers' academic staff.

Coxie caught three touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2017 alongside Anthony Miller. Over the next two seasons, he became the Tigers' No. 1 receiver and joined Miller as the only players in school history with multiple 1,000 yard seasons.

Tigers football:Greatest comeback in Memphis football history is reminder of what Tigers have become | Giannotto

His competitive edge also showed in practice, where coaches and teammates marveled at his one-on-one battles with defensive back T.J. Carter. He also had one of the team's biggest personalities, which showed at last season's Cotton Bowl when he started to interview teammates standing out in the locker room.

Coxie was twice named an All-AAC second team selection and ends his Tigers career third all-time in receptions (185), receiving yards (2,948) and touchdown catches (20). His 11 100-yard games place him second behind Miller's 17 100-yard games.

Running back Kenneth Gainwell opted out prior to the first game but did not say that he declared for the draft, although he is expected to do so.

Wide receiver Coye Fairman and linebacker Tim Hart also opted out of this season while safety La'Andre Thomas and receiver John "Pop" Williams have taken personal leaves of absence.

Want to stay informed on the latest Memphis sports news? A Commercial Appeal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites.

You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com