Texas Tech junior WR Coutee declares for NFL draft

Dec 25, 2017 - 3:50 AM Texas Tech junior wide receiver Keke Coutee, who ranks second in the nation in receiving yards this season, announced on his Instagram account Sunday that he will enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

The declaration came a day after Texas Tech's season concluded with a 38-34 defeat to South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl. In the loss, Coutee made 11 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown, giving him 93 catches for 1,429 yards and 10 scores this season.

He moved up to second on the school's single-season list for receiving yardage.

Coutee posted on Instagram: "Red Raider Nation, With so much thought and prayer through this difficult process, I have decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. This was such a difficult decision I had to make for me and my family. Thank you all for an amazing 3 years at the best University there is. Lubbock will always have a special place in my heart and I will always call Lubbock home. #GUNSUPFOREVER!!"

Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said in a statement: "We wish Keke nothing but the best as he moves on to the NFL. Keke was one of the best receivers in the country this season, and I know he has a bright future ahead of him. Our staff and I can't thank Keke and his family enough for his commitment to our football program the past three years."

Coutee finished his time in Lubbock with 159 catches for 2,424 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown this season.

Boise State's Cedrick Wilson leads the FBS with 1,511 receiving yards this season.