Washington, Vernon say they're leaving Miami early

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Miami officials announced Friday that offensive lineman Brandon Washington and defensive end Olivier Vernon are skipping their final college seasons for the NFL draft.

Washington was one of nine players to start all 12 games for the Hurricanes this past season. Miami has now had five underclassmen declare for the 2012 draft, including running back Lamar Miller, wide receiver Tommy Streeter and defensive lineman Marcus Forston.

Vernon was suspended for the first six games this season after an investigation showed he took extra benefits from a former booster during the recruiting process. He had 18 tackles in six games this season with the Hurricanes.

Miami is losing two other offensive line starters to graduation, along with quarterback Jacory Harris and top linebacker Sean Spence.

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