STANFORD, Calif.—Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo announced his decision to opt out of the 2020 season on Thursday in order to begin his preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft.
"When I chose to come back last year, I was looking forward to coming back and taking the field for one more year repping the Stanford Cardinal with my brothers," Adebo said of his decision. "Unfortunately, 2020 has not gone according to plan. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity that playing football and attending school at Stanford University has given me. I was given the opportunity to learn how to play the defensive back position from the best DB coach in Duane Akina and I'm forever grateful for the knowledge bestowed upon me. I've had the luxury of being surrounded by great teammates and coaches that understood both football and life outside of football. Thank you, Stanford. Thank you, Coach Shaw. Much love and appreciation to everyone who helped me get to this point. I would not be here had it not been for all the help I received along the way.
"I will be opting out of the 2020-2021 football season and declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft."
Over his final two seasons, Adebo played in 22 games with 21 starts. He had a nation-leading 38 passes defended and eight interceptions during that span and was named All-Pac-12 first team in each of those two seasons.
In 2018, Adebo was named FWAA second team All-American after leading the nation, and setting a school record, with 24 passes defended. In 2019, he finished with 33 tackles, 10 pass breakups and four interceptions.
"Paulson has everything NFL scouts are looking for in a corner," Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football David Shaw said. "He has great speed, long arms, great instincts, and the ball skills of a wide receiver. Most importantly he is mentally and physically tough, extremely competitive and has a high football IQ. He will make a significant impact early in his NFL career."