Alabama RT D.J. Fluker not entering NFL Draft

In response to online chatter, the redshirt sophomore said in a statement released by the Crimson Tide that he’s not entering the 2012 NFL Draft. Here is the statement:

“I know there have been a few stories and different things out on the message boards lately about me possibly leaving school early,” Fluker said in a written statement. “I want to go ahead and put all of that to rest and make it clear that my intentions are to stay in school. At my position, I still have a lot to learn in order to mold myself into the best offensive tackle I can be.

“I’ve learned a lot from my coaches in my three years here and I feel like I can only get better with more experience. The most important reason is to finish my degree. Right now, I am on track to graduate next December and that’s one of the things I promised my mother that I would do when I decided to come to the University of Alabama. This is a special place and I’m looking forward to spending another year with my friends and teammates, graduating, and playing in front of the best fans in the country.”