TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama running back Mark Ingram, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and wide receiver Julio Jones said Friday they are leaving early to the NFL draft.
However, linebacker Dont’a Hightower said he will return for his final year.
Coach Nick Saban said the three departing players were part of a group that’s been as successful as any in the nation over three years. Ingram, Dareus and Jones all are projected to be drafted in the first round.
“Each of these guys made the right decision,” Saban said.
Ingram won the Heisman during Alabama’s 2009 national championship season, but was hampered part of this season as he recovered from knee surgery. Ingram said he was leaving Alabama without any regrets.