Report: Lemonier leaving for NFL

Defensive end Corey Lemonier is foregoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft, according to ESPN’s Joe Schad.

“I feel I’m ready for the next level,” Lemonier said, according to a tweet by Schad.

An Auburn spokesman was unable to confirm Lemonier was declaring for the 2013 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Todd McShay had Lemonier, who made 34 tackles and had 5.5 sacks in an underwhelming junior season, projected as a late first round pick in an early draft analysis. Schad said Lemonier sees himself as a third rounder right now.

In a short meeting with reporters on Dec. 21, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said he had spoken with Lemonier regarding his future and at the time he was still undecided.

“I had some conversations with Corey, and we will have some more,” Malzahn said. “We will figure out what is best for his future once we get all the factual information.”

Lemonier was not available for comment following the Iron Bowl against Alabama and had said earlier in the season his decision of whether or not to return for his senior season would be based on performance.

The 6-foot-4 246-pound Haileah, Fla. native had just half a sack in his final eight games and did not start against Georgia or Alabama A&M.