Michigan LB Junior Colson entering 2024 NFL Draft

Field Level Media|published: Thu 11th January, 14:00 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson (25) speaks in a press conference after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. credits: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Junior Colson, the leading tackler for national champion Michigan, is entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

Colson announced his decision on Thursday, three days after the Wolverines captured their first title since 1997.

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound junior said farewell to his coaches, teammates and fans in Ann Arbor.

"I am at a loss for words to describe what this brotherhood has meant to me and the profound impact it has had on me as a man," Colson posted on social media. "The relationships forged along this journey will last a lifetime — I am proud to call my teammates my brothers for life."

Colson registered a team-high 95 tackles this season — 30 more than runner-up Michael Barrett. He had 10 tackles in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama at the Rose Bowl and made six stops in Monday's 34-13 victory over Washington in the national championship game.

He collected 256 tackles in 43 games over three seasons with the Wolverines, who finished 15-0 this season and went 40-3 with Colson on the field.

—Field Level Media