USC’s Darnold, UCLA’s Rosen head for NFL

LOS ANGELES » Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold will skip his final two seasons of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Darnold made the expected announcement in an Instagram video Wednesday.

About 25 minutes earlier, UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen announced he will enter the draft. Both local products are expected to be high first-round selections in April.

Darnold took over as the Trojans’ starting quarterback four games into last season as a redshirt freshman. He won the Rose Bowl in his first season with a record 453-yard, five-touchdown performance against Penn State, and he led the Trojans to their first Pac-12 championship since 2008 this season.

Darnold passed for 7,229 yards with 57 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions in 27 games behind center for the Trojans.

UCLA’s Josh Rosen to enter NFL draft

LOS ANGELES » UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Rosen made the expected announcement Wednesday with a post on Twitter. He is expected to be a high first-round pick in April.

Rosen has been the Bruins’ starting quarterback for the past three seasons, playing in 30 total games after missing half of his sophomore year with injuries. He passed for 9,301 yards with 59 touchdown passes and 26 interceptions.

He was close to fired UCLA coach Jim Mora, but discussed his decision with new Bruins coach Chip Kelly.

In his statement, Rosen says that attending UCLA was “the best decision of my life.” He also promises his mother that he’ll return to Westwood to finish his degree.

Michigan’s Winovich returning

ANN ARBOR, MICH. » Michigan defensive lineman Chase Winovich is forgoing the NFL and staying with the Wolverines.

Winovich announced the decision on social media Wednesday.

Winovich was a secondteam All-Big Ten pick by the AP this season, along with teammate and fellow defensive lineman Rashan Gary. Those two should give the Wolverines a formidable defensive front in 2018 as Michigan tries to bounce back from an 8-5 season .

Winovich had eight sacks this season and has 13 over the past two.

Auburn cornerback declares for draft

AUBURN, ALA. » Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

The second-team Associated Press All-American announced his decision in a Twitter post Wednesday, thanking Auburn fans for their support. The 6-foot1, 203-pound Davis started all three seasons at Auburn, including as a true freshman.

He is projected as an early round pick with some mock drafts having him go in the first round.

Davis had 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception this season. Coach Gus Malzahn called him “a model of consistency” and said he played an important role in Auburn’s defensive success.

Tailback Kerryon Johnson is also turning pro early.

The Tigers are also losing senior safeties Tray Matthews and Stephen Roberts from the secondary.