Michigan State football CB Justin Layne leaving early for NFL draft

Michigan State football junior cornerback Justin Layne made it official on Friday night. 

He's headed to the NFL draft.

Layne posted a letter addressed to Spartan Nation that not only was full of thanks but also said that, "after much thought and consideration," his intention to forego his senior season and enter the 2019 draft.

It is not yet clear whether Layne intends to play in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon on Dec. 31 in Santa Clara, Calif. Attempts to contact him on Friday were not immediately successful. 

"None of this would have been possible without the help and guidance of Coach Dantonio and the entire coaching staff. It has been a privilege to develop as a player under their counsel, but more importantly to grow into a man," Layne wrote. 

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Layne was named to the All-Big Ten second team after tying for the conference lead in passes defended (16) and pass breakups (15). He also had 72 tackles and an interception for the nation's 14th-best defense.

"I will always consider East Lansing home as I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

"I promise to always represent the university with professionalism and class," Layne later wrote. "Of course, I wouldn't be here without the help of my teammates. So thank you."

After so many injuries to MSU's wide receiver corps, the junior from Cleveland played a few games on both cornerback and receiver, recording one catch for 11 yards this season.

"A special thank you to my family who have been extremely supportive in helping me achieve my goals and especially during this process. I am beyond excited for what the future holds," Layne wrote.

MSU senior running back LJ Scott, who earlier this season chose to take a redshirt and return for 2019 after an injury-plagued year, has since decided to leave for the NFL draft, too.