Texas Tech's Crabtree among 46 early draft entries

[January 20, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- All-American wide receiver Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech was among 46 players granted special eligibility Monday for the NFL draft.

Crabtree, expected to be a top 10 selection, had 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in two seasons with the Red Raiders. He announced his plans last week to leave school early.

Iowa running back Shonn Greene, Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin and Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith joined Crabtree as first-team All-Americans granted early eligibility.

The deadline for receiving applications was Jan. 15.

Other notable players leaving school early are Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez, Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford and running back Knowshown Moreno, Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells, Connecticut running back Donald Brown, Florida receiver Percy Harvin and Florida State defensive end Everette Brown.

The draft will be held April 25-26.

[Associated Press]

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