AU’s Powers going pro

AUBURN — Cornerback Jerraud Powers will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, Auburn University confirmed Tuesday.

“I want to thank the Auburn nation for their support during my career,” Powers said in a university release. “It was a very tough decision, but I did what God wanted me to do and what was best for my family and me. I’m thankful for my time at Auburn and will have nothing but fond memories.”

Powers battled through a nagging hamstring injury this season, which prevented him from playing in two games. He finished with two interceptions and 47 tackles.

He emerged as one of the SEC’s premier cornerbacks during his sophomore season, when he finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions.

For his career, Powers, a Decatur native, started 23 games, made 136 tackles and picked off six passes.

Powers joins defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks as the second Auburn player to enter the draft early. Defensive end Antonio Coleman recently announced that he will return for his senior season.

Powers is likely the last Auburn player to be weighing his professional options. The deadline to do so is Jan. 15.

Multiple scouting service Web sites do not project Powers to be a first-day selection. Powers was originally recruited by new coach Gene Chizik, but would have been playing under his third defensive coordinator in four years.

Sophomores Neiko Thorpe and D’Antoine Hood will likely battle to fill Powers’ spot in the starting lineup. Both received significant action in nickel packages and even standard formations while Powers was hampered by his injury. Aairon Savage, who sat out all of 2008 with a knee injury, should also be available.