Kolby Harvell-Peel Withdraws From NFL Draft; Will Return To OSU

STILLWATER – Jim Knowles’ defense just got stronger for the 2021 season. Junior safety Kolby Harvell-Peel took to Twitter Monday afternoon to announce he’s withdrawn his name from the NFL Draft and will be returning to Oklahoma State for the 2021 season.

“Upon further consideration, I feel as though it is best that I withdraw my name from the NFL draft pool. That said, I’d like to announced I will be returning in 2021 for my senior season at Oklahoma State University. Thank you, Kolby Harvell-Peel.”

This announcement comes just six days after Harvell-Peel announced he was going to forego his remaining year of eligibility and enter his name into the draft pool.

Depending on when he turned his paperwork into the NFL, and he may not have, there is a 72-hour period after the deadline (Jan. 18) in which you can reconsider. 

By the way, with Harvell-Peel returning, that means our own Robert Allen completely nailed the departures and the players that would stay in his Jan. 1 Premium content story that included a three-deep depth chart for next season. That story is now available to help show viewers why they should become subscribers.

Harvell-Peel returns as one of the top defenders for the Pokes. As a junior, he recorded 44 total tackles during the 2020 season, 31 of which were solo stops including one sack, four pass break ups and two interceptions.

Those numbers come after his breakout sophomore season in 2019 where he recorded 71 total tackles, 49 of which were solo stops, 13 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions before ending his season with a torn ACL against OU.

The return of Harvell-Peel seals up the back end of the defense as he rejoins Tre Sterling, Tanner McCalister, Jarrick Bernard and Jason Taylor. Also returning for another year is linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper and corner Christian Holmes.

The defensive guys that have entered their names into the draft are linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and Calvin Bundage, defensive lineman Cameron Murray and corner Rodarius Williams.