Marqise Lee To Leave USC for the 2014 NFL Draft

Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) is pursued by Fresno State Bulldogs safety Derron Smith (13) on a 40-yard reception in the fourth quarter in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. USC defeated Fresno State 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Marqise Lee will declare for the 2014 NFL draft, the junior wide out declared on Twitter.

Lee won the Biletnikoff Award in 2012, USC’s first, and etched his name in the Trojan record books as one of the most prolific receivers to ever wear the cardinal and gold. Sitting atop USC’s all-time receiving yardage list, he finished his career with 248 receptions for 3655 yards and 29 touchdowns.

In 2013, Lee was hampered by injury and managed 57 receptions for 791 yards and four touchdowns, his lowest totals of his career. His final game gave both Trojan fans and NFL evaluators a taste of his true talent however, as he electrified the Las Vegas bowl with seven receptions, 118 yards and two touchdowns.

It shouldn’t take long for Lee to be taken off the board at the draft. CBS Sports ranks him as the top receiver available and a sure-fire first round pick.

Without Lee, USC will turn to Nelson Agholor as the primary receiving threat in 2014 after he led the Trojans in receptions and touchdowns this season. After Agholor, there is a field of potential playmakers to fill the void. However, most lack experience.

Darreus Rogers, who saw the most action as USC’s wide receiving corp dwindled due to injury, could be poised for a break out year. Victor Blackwell, the only other scholarship receiver who caught a pass in 2013 to return next season, may also see expanded playing time.

Then there are talents like Steven Mitchell and George Farmer, who missed this season due to injury but could very well make an impact in their return.