Hakeem Nicks: Going Pro

North Carolina's top wide-out won't be on the sidelines in 2009—well at least not in a Tar Heel uniform.

UNC announced Monday morning that Hakeem Nicks will fore-go his senior season and enter the NFL Draft in April.

Nicks leaves UNC with 14 school records, including single-season receiving (1,222) and touchdowns (12) in 2008.

The junior caught the attention of many NFL scouts during UNC's loss to West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte last month.

Nicks finished the day 217 yards on eight catches, reaching the endzone three times.

In the news release Monday, Nicks said, "I have decided to file the paperwork necessary to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. I met with Coach (Butch) Davis after the game and I appreciate the feedback he gave me and the support he has provided during the decision-making process. His contacts in the NFL are invaluable."

During the bowl game, Nicks' scored on plays of 73, 66, and 25. His 217 yards was second most by a Tar Heel player and only the third time a player surpassed the 200-yard mark.

He also made a spectacular catch behind his back during the game, which was later named ESPN's top-play of the bowl season.

"I spoke to several different NFL people on Hakeem's behalf before the bowl game, including coaches, general managers, owners, and position coaches," said head coach Butch Davis, who coached 10 years in the NFL with Dallas and Cleveland. "We also submitted paperwork to the NFL advisory committee. I shared all of this information with Hakeem in Charlotte after the bowl game and I know he is making a thoughtful and informed decision. I believe he has the physical and mental makeup to be a productive NFL player for many years. We will always be thankful to Hakeem for what he has done for this program and the exciting times he provided the Carolina fans."

Other records held by Nicks include: career receptions (181), career receiving yards (2,580), and career touchdowns (21). In his senior season, Nicks was named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference after catching 68 passes for 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is the only player in UNC history with more than 1,000 yards receiving in a season, the release said.

The loss of Nicks will certainly hurt the Heels next season, who at one point in the season appeared in control to win the Coastal Division of the ACC.

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For a complete look at the press release visit the school's athletic site.

This article is also featured on my blog: Sports101.