CMU Star From Muskegon Declares For NFL Draft

Kalil Pimpleton has had a fantastic season for the Chippewas, and now he's hoping to parlay that into a pro career.

Pimpleton transferred to Central Michigan from Virginia Tech following his freshman season, and he's been on fire ever since.

Over the weekend, Pimpleton made it official, he will be foregoing his final year of eligibility in Mount Pleasant to enter the NFL draft.

"To my family, coaches and teammates, and Chippewa Nation, your embracing spirit, support, and motivation has meant a lot to men and my journey!" Pimpleton wrote on Facebook. "I can't thank you all enough for helping me grow into the human, leader, and player I was destined to be!

The wide receiver and return specialist had perhaps his best game this season against arch rival Western Michigan in October in Kalamazoo, when he scored three touchdowns in less than five minutes at the end of the first half, to erase a 14-0 deficit and give the Chips a 21-14 lead they never relinquished.

The Chippewas won their last five game including Friday's shocking 24-21 take down of Pac 12 Washington State in the Sun Bowl. He set up a CMU touchdown with a 45-yard punt return, which set a school record for the longest return in a bowl game.

Pimpleton was an all-state quarterback at high school powerhouse Muskegon High before moving on to VA Tech. He was the Michigan offensive player of the year his senior season for the Big Reds.

While academically a senior, Pimpleton could have returned next year due to the Covid exemption given to players in 2020.

Declaring for the NFL draft does not necessarily mean he will be chosen by a team, but someone will make him an offer either as a draftee or as an unsigned free agent, simply for his special teams skills alone.

His 20.6 yards per punt return average was the highest in the country amongst players with at least 14 returns. 

The 2022 NFL Draft will be held in Las Vegas from April 28 through April 30.