Dion Bailey declared his intentions to enter the 2014 NFL Draft on Monday, becoming the first of several NFL-ready USC juniors to announce their plans for next season.
Bailey was a three-year starter for the Trojans defense, alternating between outside linebacker and safety. The redshirt junior mostly played safety under defensive coordinator Clancy Pedergast in 2013, leading the team in interceptions (5) while recording 61 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Bailey was named to the All-Pac-12 second team by the league's coaches earlier this month.
According to the school, Bailey -- a policy, planning and development major -- has already earned his degree.
USC junior S Dion Bailey announced that he is leaving for the NFL. The three-year starter has already earned his degree.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) December 23, 2013
NFL scouts are expecting announcements from several notable draft-eligible USC players in the coming weeks, including wide receiver Marqise Lee , cornerback Josh Shaw , linebacker Hayes Pullard , defensive end George Uko and center Marcus Martin .
The Trojans finished the 2013 season with a 10-4 record after the 45-20 win against Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday. It was only the second 10-win season since 2008 and first USC bowl win since 2009.
