Funchess Will Forego Senior Year At Michigan, Enter NFL Draft
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - The University of Michigan announced Tuesday afternoon that star wide receiver Devin Funchess will forego his final year of eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.
"I would like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for their support," Funchess stated in a press release. "It's always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and I am prepared to take the next step in my journey.
"I want to personally thank Coach Hoke and his staff," Funchess's statement continued. "I've learned life and character lessons from them, and they have helped me become a better person and man. I love Michigan. From the former players to the fans, it's a special place. The opportunity to play in the Big House in front of 100,000 strong each week, those are memories that will last with me forever. It's been an honor to strap on the winged helmet for three years with my teammates, and I will always bleed Maize and Blue."
Funchess, listed at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, caught 62 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns. In a year of struggle for Michigan football, Funchess was one of few bright spots on the offense.
Mel Kiper of ESPN rates Funchess as this year's top underclassmen tight end prospect. Funchess played tight end his first two years at Michigan but then switched to wide receiver. Kiper spoke highly of Funchess's abilities.
"You'll see the long-armed, 6-5 Funchess across the formation at X or Y, and he can be used out of the slot, too," Kiper wrote. "What you won't see him do is block very often, but that's not a worry for the Wolverines, and it won't be for NFL scouts, either. He's a weapon in the passing game, a power forward working against smaller defenders, and a guy who can stretch the field and can also run after the catch on short stuff."
