Will Fuller will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, the junior Notre Dame wide receiver announced Sunday.
The Philadelphia native had back-to-back seasons with over 14 touchdowns 1,000 receiving yards, exploding as one of college football's most lethal big-play threats. Eight of Fuller's 14 touchdowns in 2015 were for 45 or more yards.
[MORE: After Ohio State loss, Notre Dame feels it's getting close to elite status]
Fuller told reporters in November he planned on returning for his senior season, but that was far from an official decision -- he hadn't told his coaches he would return, and waited to receive his feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Board before settling on his decision. Fuller still plans on earning his degree from Notre Dame.
"First, I would like to start off by thanking my coaches, family, teammates, friends and fans that have supported me throughout my football career," Fuller said in a statement announcing his intention to turn pro. "The University of Notre Dame is not just a learning institution. It has afforded me an incomparable life experience, and for this, I will forever be grateful. Playing with Team 127 is an experience I will always celebrate and I have made brothers for life.
"My heart truly wanted to return to Notre Dame, but it has also been a lifelong dream to play football in the NFL. After taking all of this into lengthy consideration, I believe it is in my best interest to forgo my senior season and enter the 2016 draft. I came to Notre Dame to earn a degree from the greatest University in the world, and I will still accomplish that goal. Again, thank you for all the support and I hope you continue on this journey with me."
Rotoworld's Josh Norris ranks Fuller, who's drawn comparisons to former Ohio State receiver and 2015 second-round pick Devin Smith, the ninth-best receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft pool.
[SHOP: Get your Notre Dame gear]
Notre Dame had five players submit evaluation requests to the NFL Draft Advisory Board, and three of them (Fuller, Ronnie Stanley and C.J. Prosise) have already decided to turn pro. Junior linebacker Jaylon Smith and senior cornerback KeiVarae Russell are widely expected to declare for the NFL Draft as well.