COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and Virginia wide receiver Kevin Ogletree will forego their senior seasons and enter the 2009 NFL draft.
Heyward-Bey ranks second in school history in career receiving yards (2,089), is third in receptions (138) and tied for third in touchdown catches (13).
"After the bowl game I sat down with my mom, my aunt and coach (Ralph) Friedgen to explore my options and felt like the time is right to take my game to the next level," Heyward-Bey said Wednesday. "It was a very difficult decision. I love the University of Maryland and everything people have done for me the last four years. Not only the coaches, but also the players and support staff."
This year, he led the Terrapins with 42 catches for 609 yards and five touchdowns.
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"Darrius has made a tremendous contribution to our program over the last four years," Friedgen said. "He is the kind of young man we want representing the University of Maryland, both on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best in the NFL."
Ogletree led Virginia in receiving with 58 catches this season after sitting out last year with a knee injury. He finished fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference in catches and third in receiving yards with 723. His five touchdown catches also ranked third in the league. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2006 and again this season.
"Kevin has been a significant part of our team," coach Al Groh said. "He was a strong performer and an excellent teammate. Kevin ... feels this is the appropriate time for him to move on; we agree and support him in his decision and wish him much success."
Ogletree, who had 52 catches for 582 yards in 2006, is seventh in Cavaliers history with 117 receptions.
The NFL draft is scheduled for April 25-26. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to enter their name in the draft.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
