Matt Lee spent only one year in Coral Gables, but it was a successful one.
The veteran center, who transferred from UCF before the 2023 season to the Miami Hurricanes, announced Saturday that he is entering the NFL draft.
“Thank you University of Miami and UCF for an awesome five years,” Lee wrote on social media. “I am declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.”
Lee arrived at UM after four seasons with the Knights, where he became one of the nation’s top centers. He continued to show that level of play at Miami this season.
Lee started every game for the Hurricanes, playing 792 offensive snaps. He earned a 77.4 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus along with an 89.1 pass-blocking grade and a 71.5 run-blocking grade.
Lee’s offensive grade was tied for ninth-best among centers with 500 or more snaps this season. His pass-blocking grade was fourth, and his run-blocking grade was 26th.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Lee the fifth-best center prospect in the draft.
Lee is the fifth Hurricane to either announce they were leaving early or who is expected to turn pro this offseason, joining safeties James Williams and Kam Kinchens, offensive lineman Javion Cohen and defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III.
Thank you University of Miami and UCF for an awesome five years. I am declaring for the 2024 NFL draft. #GoCanes #ChargeOn
— Matt Lee (@matt_lee80) December 9, 2023
