Baldwin, Lewis officially declare for the NFL

Three underclassmen members of the Pitt football team will forgo their remaining collegiate eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. Junior receiver Jon Baldwin, junior fullback Henry Hynoski and sophomore tailback Dion Lewis announced their decisions to turn pro today.

Baldwin, a two-time first-team All-Big East performer, finished the season with 53 catches for 822 yards and five touchdowns. His career receiving yardage total of 2,337 ranks sixth all-time at Pitt, while his receptions total of 128 ranks eighth.

Hynoski was Pitt’s starting fullback each of the past two years. This past season he rushed 12 times for 33 yards and caught 25 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown.

Lewis rushed for 2,860 yards in just two seasons at Pitt, eclipsing former standout LeSean McCoy’s school record for rushing yards as a freshman and sophomore. (McCoy had 2,816 yards from 2007-08.) Lewis ranks fourth overall on the Panthers’ career rushing list.

He had 1,799 yards as a freshman en route to Big East Offensive Player of the Year, Big East Rookie of the Year and National Freshman of the Year accolades. Lewis was named the game’s MVP in each of Pitt’s bowl victories the past two seasons, including this year’s BBVA Compass Bowl when he rushed for 105 yards and a TD in a 27-10 win over Kentucky.

“After careful consideration and discussions with my mother and father, as well as helpful information from Coach Wannstedt regarding my draft status, I have decided to forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft, Baldwin said in a released statement. "I want to thank God for his blessings on my life, as well as my parents for all of their continued support. I want to also thank the University of Pittsburgh, Coach Wannstedt, Chris LaSala and the rest of the coaching staff for the opportunities and guidance they have given me in aiding my development as a student, as a player and as a person at the University.

"The direction they have provided throughout my three years at Pitt has prepared me for this next step in my life. I wish the University, my teammates, and fans of the program all the best in the future. I will forever be grateful to them for all they have done for me. Hail to Pitt!”

Lewis said in a released that Dave Wannstedt has prepared him for the jump to the NFL.

“After significant discussion and contemplation with my family and coaches, it is with great excitement and anticipation that I announce today that I am declaring myself eligible for this spring’s NFL Draft, " Lewis said. "I want to thank the University of Pittsburgh, particularly Coach Wannstedt and his staff, for the opportunities afforded me during the last two years. I look forward to the challenges facing me as an NFL rookie, and I believe my time here at the University of Pittsburgh under Coach Wannstedt’s tutelage has prepared me extremely well for the demands awaiting me at the next level.”