Alabama wideout and former Fultondale student-athlete ArDarius Stewart talks with media following Alabama’s, 33-14, win over Texas A&M on October 22. 

Alabama redshirt junior wideout ArDarius Stewart, a former Mr. Football finalist at Fultondale High School, has decided to forego his senior season with the Crimson Tide.

Stewart is expected to announce his decision to enter the 2017 NFL Draft at a Friday press conference, according to Fultondale football coach Richie Busby.

If he exits, Stewart would finish his Alabama career with 129 catches for 1,677 yards and 11 touchdowns. He would also mark the second local product to declare early for the draft in as many seasons. Former Gardendale running back Jordan Howard skipped his final year at Indiana, as he entered the 2016 NFL Draft where he went in the fifth round to the Chicago Bears.

UPDATE: Stewart along with two other draft-eligible players went before the media on Friday afternoon to discuss their decision to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and offensive tackle Cam Robinson will also forego their senior season in Tuscaloosa.

Stewart, who is projected to go in the second round, was the last player to take the podium on Friday. He thanked God, his family, head coach Nick Saban and the entire Alabama coaching staff, professors and teammates for the role they have played in his life. 

“I’m just grateful to be here and have this opportunity,” said Stewart. “It’s kind of bittersweet being here and declaring (for the NFL Draft), but these four years is something you can’t get back. I tried to leave it all on the field. I tried to put my heart into all of this and I’m going to miss the guys I was in that receiving room with.”

Saban opened the press conference, and had this to say: “Each one of these individuals have done an outstanding job of doing the right things when it comes to developing a career off the field by making progress toward a degree and putting themselves in position to graduate within the next year.”

“We have a great appreciation for this and we certainly appreciate these guys more than you know in terms of what they’ve done for the University of Alabama. These players all know that they’re part of the fabric of this organization and the brand that they’ve created here is something that we want them to continue to build on and know that they are always welcome back and part of the University of Alabama program.” 

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.