Virginia Tech standout cornerback Caleb Farley announced Wednesday that he is opting out of the college football season, citing “uncertain health conditions” amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Farley, a projected first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is the first college football player to opt out of playing this season. Farley posted a video to his Instagram account to announce his decision.
“I am opting out due to uncertain health conditions and regulations and all the other opt-outs in football right now,” Farley said.
Farley also cited the death of his mother, Robin, due to breast cancer in 2018.
“I cannot afford to lose another parent or loved one,” he said. “Though the competitor in me badly wants to play this season, I cannot ignore what’s going on in my heart and I must make the decision that brings me the most peace.”
The 6-foot-2 Farley, a native of Hickory, N.C., said he will spend the fall preparing for the draft.
Farley was named first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference last season as a redshirt sophomore after collecting four interceptions and leading the conference with 16 passes defensed.
