Given that the 2020 college football season does not count toward a player’s eligibility, meaning fourth- or fifth-year seniors are able to return for the 2021 season, several players are deciding against returning and opting to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft instead. Wide receiver Frank Darby is one of those players opting for greener pastures. Drew Rosenhaus announced on his Twitter account that Darby, the former Arizona State Sun Devil, has signed with Rosenhaus Sports for representation.
The writing was on the wall that Darby would forgo his final year of eligibility as he accepted a Senior Bowl invitation earlier this month. Darby made his intentions official on December 21.
Darby did not have many opportunities to showcase his talents to NFL scouts during a shortened Pac-12 season. Only appearing in two games, the Jersey City (NJ) native caught six passes for 46 yards and one touchdown. His performance during the 2019 season paints a different picture, though. While he struggled out of the gates, Darby hit his stride in the second half of the season, particularly during the last four regular season games for the Sun Devils.
He averaged four receptions for 97 yards and almost two touchdowns per game during that stretch (16 receptions, 387 yards, and seven touchdowns), including 24.2 yards per reception. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver averaged 19.9 yards per reception for the entire 2019 season, which ranked 10th in the nation and second in the Pac-12. Darby also recorded eight touchdowns on the season, the fourth-most in the conference, earning him a spot on Pac-12 honorable mention team.
Darby is the third 2021 NFL Draft prospect to sign with Rosenhaus Sports this month, joining former Louisville wide receiver Tutu Atwell and former Auburn linebacker K.J. Britt.