Michigan WR Devin Funchess forgoes senior season, declares for NFL draft
Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft, the program announced Tuesday.
As a junior, Funchess was Michigan's leading receiver with 62 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. He finished third in the Big Ten in receptions and seventh in receiving yards, and he was second-team All-Big Ten.
Michigan finished 5-7, missing a bowl for the first time since 2009. Dave Brandon resigned as athletic director on Oct. 31, and interim athletic director Jim Hackett fired head coach Brady Hoke last week.
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"I would like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for their support," said Funchess. "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 added. "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 played tight end his first two years at Michigan, and earned Big Ten Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year honors as a sophomore in 2013 after catching 47 passes for 727 yards and six touchdowns. Those 727 yards were a Michigan single-season record for a tight end.
For his career, Funchess caught 126 passes for 1,715 yards and 15 touchdowns. His five 100-yard receiving games are tied for No. 12 on Michigan's all-time list.
Funchess was No. 13 on Chris Burke's last 2015 NFL Draft Big Board in October.
- Mike Fiammetta
