STARKVILLE — Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons announced Thursday that he will skip his senior season in Starkville and enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Simmons won the 2018 Conerly Trophy as Mississippi’s top college player and is considered one of the top defensive line prospects in the country.

The Macon native had 59 total tackles this season, 14.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. He was selected to both the All-Southeastern Conference and Associated Press All-America teams.

In an open letter announcing his decision, Simmons thanked everyone involved with the MSU football program including coaches, teammates and fans.

“For the past three years at Mississippi State, I have poured my heart into everything I did on the field, in the classroom and in the community. This place taught me to never give up, and it instilled a desire and a work ethic to reach my ultimate goal,” Simmons wrote. “I intend to complete my degree. I have so much passion for this game, and I am ready to take the next step as I declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.”

Simmons also said in the letter that he plans to play for the Bulldogs in the Outback Bowl against Iowa on Jan. 1.