Smith, Kruger opt to depart

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham responded to the decisions by Paul Kruger and Sean Smith to leave the Utes early and enter the National Football League Draft.
“We appreciate Paul and Sean’s hard work and dedication to the University of Utah football program,” Whittingham said in a released statement. “They have been instrumental to our success and, although we are sorry to see them leave, we wish them nothing but the best in their NFL endeavors. They will always be a part of the Utah football family.”
Kruger and Smith are in Florida preparing for next month’s NFL Scouting Combine. They earned all-conference honors while helping Utah go 13-0 and defeat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
The duo were among three Utah underclassmen who asked the NFL for a draft evaluation. Left tackle Zane Beadles, however, opted to return to the Utes for his senior season.
Kruger gave up two years of eligibility and Smith is giving up one.