Panthers fortify Worley's decision to turn pro

Even the NFL advisory committee recommended he stay in school, but Daryl Worley didn’t listen.

Instead he declared early for the 2016 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season at West Virginia.

On Friday night during the third round of the draft, the defending NFC Champion, Carolina Panthers validated the decision Worley made. Carolina traded up 16 spots in order to pick the cornerback, Worley with the No. 77 overall selection.

“I was confident and got much validation for my decision throughout the entire draft process,” Worley told WVSports.com over the phone on Friday night. “There was never a time I regretted it.”

“I’m just happy to be a Carolina Panther.”

Earlier this month, Worley met privately with personnel from the organization on two separate occasions. Assistant head coach and secondary coach Steve Wilks worked Worley out in Morgantown before West Virginia’s pro day on April 4.

Then, Worley made a visit to Charlotte to meet team owner Jerry Richardson as well as both front office personnel and the rest of the coaching staff.

“I had a great vibe when I went down there to visit the Panthers,” Worley said.

“It is a great place and is a great community. It actually reminded me of West Virginia. It’s a very family-oriented team where everyone is genuine and they all have one goal that no one is selfish about.”

As the draft neared, Worley believed landing in Carolina was a real possibility especially after the team released first-team All-Pro corner Josh Norman.

“When the decisions were made to release him (Norman), it was a little bit of a thumbs-up,” Worley said.

Despite a gut-feeling Carolina could ultimately become his new home, Worley was elated when the team called to tell him that he was officially their choice.

“I can’t even put it into words,” he said. “I was so happy. I was ecstatic.”

Worley will fly to Carolina tomorrow morning.

In 34 career games at West Virginia, Worley recorded 146 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, ten interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

While electing to leave early paid off, Worley credited West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson for helping him achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.

“Having the opportunity to play for coach (Tony) Gibson was a blessing alone. He definitely set the fire,” Worley added.

Worley was the second prospect from West Virginia picked during the 2016 NFL Draft. Safety Karl Joseph was picked in the first round with pick No. 14 by the Oakland Raiders.