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Per Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel:
After leading UCF to the best season in program history, starting quarterback Blake Bortles is headed to the NFL.
The redshirt junior will forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft, a source with direct knowledge of the decision told the Orlando Sentinel Sunday. An official announcement is expected on Monday.
Bortles has intrigued NFL scouts with his mix of size, athleticism and toughness.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he has the frame coveted by NFL scouts. Bortles also has a strong arm and is capable of making all of the throws needed at the NFL level. His elusiveness in the pocket and ability to escape pressure to make plays is also a major plus.
Do you think Blake Bortles is a legitimate candidate for the Houston Texans with the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft? Especially considering the much ballyhooed connection between Bill O'Brien and Bortles' coach at UCF, George O'Leary? What about when someone like John Harris--who lives and breathes film--says Bortles could very well be the love child of Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger?
@LanceZierlein @MCatagnus It's like Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger had a kid...B Ro playmaking, Flacco smooth throwing motion.
— John Harris (@jharrisfootball) January 1, 2014