Another year of NFL-bound college prospects opting out of bowl games

Joey Porter Jr:

A projected first-round pick has decided to opt out of his team's bowl game. Porter is widely viewed as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and was mock drafted as high as seventh, according to John Shipley of SI. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba:

Smith-Njigba had a different season than he or NFL scouts could have hoped. He was considered the consensus best WR prospect in this year's draft. Then he missed a large chunk of the season due to many injuries, none of which required surgery. Then before his team faced its most significant challenge, he opted out of the team's bowl game. ESPN's Todd McShay said, "that scouts would question whether or not Smith-Njigba was actually too injured to play." His brother sent a not-so-friendly reply back to McShay.

Blake Corum:

Blake Corum was a potential Heisman candidate before suffering a knee injury against Illinois. The running back would play one more game until shutting himself down for the season. He opted out of the college football playoffs to focus on his knee recovery.

Will Levis:

Projected first-round quarterback Will Levis has opted out of Kentucky's bowl game. He has chosen to focus on the NFL Draft.

Michael Mayer:

 One of the best traditional tight end prospects in a decade has opted out of Notre Dame's bowl game to focus on the NFL draft. Mayer had a stellar season as Notre Dame's number-one receiving weapon while being one of the best blocking tight ends in the country.

Cam Smith:

A beast is a term that describes cornerback Cam Smith. He's a bump-and-run corner with five pass defections this season. He has decided to declare for the NFL Draft, instead of playing in his team's bowl game.

Anthony Richardson: 

Projected first-round quarterback Anthony Richardson has decided to opt-out of the Florida Gators bowl game. One of the most athletic quarterbacks in this year's class has decided to use this time to sharpen his skills before the NFL Draft.

Dontay Demus Jr., Jacob Copeland:

Both Maryland wide receivers have opted out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the draft. Both receivers had under 500 yards receiving on the year.

Luke Musgraves: 

Big body tight end Luke Musgraves has declared for the NFL draft instead of continuing to play for Oklahoma State. His numbers haven't been gaudy in his college career, but he's your prototypical tight end that could have a better NFL career than a college career.