Cornerback Jaire Alexander has played his final game for Louisville.

Alexander, a junior, has notified the team that he is declaring for the 2018 NFL draft and will not participate in the Cards' TaxSlayer Bowl game against Mississippi State.

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino announced Alexander's decision Friday morning.

"I know it was a very difficult decision for Jaire," Petrino said in a statement. "I appreciate the contributions he made to the program over the last three seasons, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Alexander recently received a grade of no higher than the second round from the NFL draft advisory board.

Potentially projected as high as the first round before this past season, Alexander played in only six games as a junior for Louisville while dealing with injuries.

More:Takeaways from Bobby Petrino's pre-bowl game press conference

More:Jaire Alexander's 'nonstop' energy turns Louisville's defense around