Former 'Hound declares for NFL Draft

Former Fort Scott Community College defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided to skip his senior season at the University of South Florida to enter the National Football League Draft.

Pierre-Paul played the 2008 season for the Greyhounds, compiling 67 tackles, 10 sacks, and 20 tackles behind the line of scrimmage while helping Fort Scott to a 9-2 record and a victory in the Heart of Texas Bowl.

Pierre-Paul was named first team All-Jayhawk Conference and All-American in 2008.

In a memorable moment that Fort Scott fans may recall, during a 2008 game against Coffeyville at Frary Field, Pierre-Paul was taken to the Merrcy Heath Center's Emergency Room by ambulance due to a neck injury sustained while making a tackle. After going through tests and a MRI, Paul was released and found a ride back to the stadium where he showed the medical paperwork to the coaches and talked his way back into the game.

During the 2009 campaign at South Florida, Pierre-Paul led the Bulls in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (16.5), and quarterback hurries (6). Paul also finished the season with an interception, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.

For his play, the 6'6 260 pound Paul received first team All-Big East Conference honors. Pierre-Paul was also named first team All-American by the Pro Football Weekly publication.

Athletic ability and physical tools are what makes the NFL draft experts drool over Pierre-Paul, even though he is not a polished product.

A video of Pierre-Paul doing several back-flips after an International Bowl practice can be seen You Tube.

The Deerfield Beach, Fla., native is projected as a top-20 draft pick by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.

The NFL draft will be April 22-24 and will be aired on ESPN (Cable channel 25) and the NFL network.