Jan. 11, 2000

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - (AP) - Maryland cornerback Lewis Sanders, who had two touchdowns and six interceptions last season, will forgo his final season with the Terrapins and enter his name into the NFL draft.

"I'm surprised Lewis has made the decision to give up his final year of eligibility," Maryland coach Ron Vanderlinden said Monday. "I felt he could use some more seasoning. However, now that Lewis and his family have decided to go forward with this, we give them our best wishes and support."

The draft will be held April 15-16. Draft analyst Mel Kiper said he expects Sanders, a redshirt junior, to go in the second round with the 50th overall selection. Kiper rates Sanders as the nation's third-best underclass defensive back behind Tennessee's Deon Grant and Virginia Tech's Ike Charlton.

Sanders had 43 solo tackles, six INTs, 14 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries in 1999.