Will they stay or will they go?

Over the past month we've heard a lot of "I'm not thinking about the NFL Draft right now" from many sophomores and juniors. That mantra is commonplace for the months of October, November and December. With many bowl games coming to a close after Saturday, that tune is certain to change. Many underclassmen will forgo their final year(s) of eligibility and enter the 2011 NFL Draft in the coming days.

There has been wide speculation that a possible NFL lockout could keep many top prospects in school. While we'll probably see less underclassmen come out early than in 2009 and 2010 (record years), I still expect the number of underclassmen to be in the thirties or more. Most have already decided whether they like the college life or want to go pro, and the potential for a lockout won't influence their decision. There will be a 2011 NFL Draft regardless of whether or not there is a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place. And agents will lure the top prospects with a guarantee of some pocket cash if there is a lockout.

The early entry deadline is Jan. 15. Here is a look at who I see declaring - ranked by position and confidence they will declare - for the 2011 NFL Draft between now and then.

QB Cam Newton, Auburn – Doubtful to return given the season he’s had and the scrutiny he’s been under.

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford – Some reports say he’ll stay…not buying it

QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State - I believe he comes back, but age and a new offensive coordinator could influence his decision

RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech – Recent quotes have the feel of someone who will leave

RB John Clay, Wisconsin – Can’t see him coming back for more punishment

RB Jordan Todman, UConn – 50/50

RB Daniel Herron, Ohio State – Not buying all the Buckeyes will honor their commitment, 50/50

WR Torrey Smith*, Maryland – Already declared

WR DeAndre Brown*, Southern Miss – Already declared

WR A.J. Green, Georgia

WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

WR Julio Jones, Alabama

WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt

WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky

WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma - 50/50

WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M – A poor second half of the season could sway him to stay, otherwise he would have been gone.

WR DeVier Posey – See Herron

TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

OT Tyron Smith, USC – Already declared

OT Matt Reynolds, BYU

OT Nate Potter, Colorado

OT Mike Adams, Ohio State – See Herron

DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina

DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson – He’ll take advantage of his breakout season

DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin – He’ll have something to think about after a big season

DT Jurrell Casey*, USC – Already declared

DT Nick Fairley, Auburn – He’s been the most dominate defensive player in college football this season, he’s gone

DT Corey Liuget, Illinois

DT Jared Crick, Nebraska – Not the dominating season most expected, but he could still go

DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama – See Crick

S Rahim Moore, UCLA – Arguably the top safety in college football, can’t see him staying

S Mark Barron, Alabama – Recent injury might keep him in school, probably still gone

S Will Hill, Florida

S Kenny Tate, Maryland – 50/50

S Robert Sands, West Virginia – 50/50

S Tyler Sash, Iowa – 50/50

LB Akeem Ayers, UCLA – Weak linebacker class opens the door for several LB underclassman

LB Justin Houston, Georgia

LB Martez Wilson, Illinois

LB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama

CB Aaron Williams*, Texas - Already declared

CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

CB Janoris Jenkins, Fl

CB Brandon Harris, Miami

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia