Former Desert Hills Star Penei Sewell To Opt Out Of Oregon’s Season

EUGENE, Ore. – Former Desert Hills High School and current Oregon star offensive lineman Penei Sewell announced that he will opt out of Oregon’s upcoming college football season.

Sewell is one of the best offensive linemen in the country entering the season after winning the Outland Trophy last season, helping Oregon to a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory.

He has decided to opt out of the season and will begin preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft where he is projected to go in the first round and be potentially a top 10 draft pick.

Sewell posted a letter on Twitter announcing his decision.

On the left side of the letter read “Inspired by a lifelong dream, I have been supported by the best family ever. Humble and grateful for his hand in all things, I have reached that point in my where I am on the verge of realizing my dreams.

“There are no words to adequately express how blessed I feel for having played football for the last two seasons at the best school in the country, the University of Oregon,” Sewell wrote. “The love and support that I have received has been overwhelming and I could not be more grateful. But ever since I was little, I have dreamt of playing professional football. Accordingly, after long thought, prayer and many conversations with my family, I have decided to opt out of the 2020-21 college football season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

“Jaqua Academic Staff: Jeamene Gray and Jessica Lopez, your patience and understanding drove me to better educate myself and strive to be the best student I could be.

“Medical Staff: Chief, Travis Steph and the rest of the medical staff, you have helped me pass some of the toughest physical tests of my life, and motivated me to work especially hard in rehab so that I could get back on the field. You are the real MVP’s.

“Coaches: Uncle Joe Mastro, Woodiel, Terry, Mirabel and the strength staff, you pushed me to always be the best version of myself. You held me accountable and worked me beyond my limits, which allowed me to perform and conduct myself better than I ever thought I could. Both on and off the field. My relationships with all of you will last a lifetime.

“Coach Cristobal: You have been so much to me: Mentor, Coach, Teacher, Friend and Father Figure. Every promise you made to my family and me was 100% kept and then some. For all of you that have done and all that you continue to do for me and my family, I am deeply grateful. Thank you for everything my guy…Love you coach!

“Teammates: To my brothers in battle. It hurts me deeply to know that I won’t be suiting up and playing with y’all boys but I know that you will keep your eyes on the prize and strive for greatness. Always grind and chase the Natty. Andy to my brother, Noah it especially hurts to know that we won’t have the opportunity to play together for the Ducks and that I won’t be blocking for you in a Wild Quack, goal line or short yardage package. But bro, you will continue to be great and you will do things that Duck fans will remember forever. James and I will be waiting for you and Nephi at the next level.

“Fans: You always made your presence felt, even at live scrimmages. The energy in Autzen on gamedays was without compare. There can be no better feeling than to play in the Jungle in front of Duck fans, the Best Fans In The Nation!”

Thank You. pic.twitter.com/5j5agPK82r

— Penei Sewell 🇦🇸 (@peneisewell58) September 7, 2020

Sewell’s brother Noah is a linebacker for the Ducks entering his freshman year at Oregon. He was the highest rated recruit in the state of Utah in the 2020 class after a successful career at Orem High School. Noah and Penei’s brother Nephi is a linebacker at the University of Utah.