Philon entering NFL Draft

Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon celebrates after the Razorbacks recovered a Texas fumble for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Texas Bowl on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

— Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon will forgo his final two years of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

Philon indicated he will enter the draft in a post on his Instagram page Tuesday. Arkansas coach Bret Bielema confirmed the news in a statement.

"I want to say I have had a great journey here in the state of Arkansas," Philon wrote on Instagram. "I feel that I have matured enough to pursue my dreams on to the next level. I know there will be some obstacles that I will have to endure but I feel the University of Arkansas has prepared me well."

Philon recorded 46 tackles, including 11.5 for loss in 2014. He also recorded 4.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles, returning one for a touchdown against Northern Illinois.

SEC coaches voted Philon to the league's all-freshman team in 2013. He started the final 18 games of his career.

Arkansas coaches tried to convince Philon to return for another season. Head coach Bret Bielema traveled to Mobile, Alabama, for an in-home visit with Philon and his family earlier this month.

"We are disappointed that Darius will no longer be part of our football program but very excited about the opportunities ahead of him," Bielema said in a statement. "It was a privilege to get to know Darius and his family over the past two years. He is a very young and blessed athlete and we wish him nothing but success in life's path he has chosen."

Philon is expected to be the only Razorbacks underclassmen who will enter this year's draft. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Thursday.

Philon was one of three Arkansas players to submit paperwork to the draft's advisory board for underclassmen last month. Running back Jonathan Williams said he will return to the Razorbacks, while receiver Keon Hatcher is also expected to return for his senior season.

With Philon's departure, Arkansas will have to replace three of its leading defensive players from a unit that ranked 10th nationally in yards allowed. Senior all-SEC selections Martrell Spaight and Trey Flowers are also expected to be drafted.