CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- With his name already in the record books and his diploma on the horizon, Illinois wide receiver Brandon Lloyd announced Thursday he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
The first underclassmen to announce his intentions to go pro next year, Lloyd said the decision was a very difficult one, but that he feels it is time to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
Lloyd, a redshirt junior, will leave Champaign second on the school's all-time list with 2,583 yards receiving and third with 160 catches. He also is second with 21 touchdown receptions, 19 the past two seasons.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Champaign," he said. "But now I feel it's time for me to pursue my life-long dream."
Lloyd said he was doing what's best for his family. He is scheduled to receive his diploma in May, after a broken leg suffered during the summer of 2000 forced him to miss the season.
"Most importantly, before I ever set foot on a college campus, I promised my parents and myself that I would receive my college degree," he said. "I plan on keeping that promise by graduating on time."
In 2002, Lloyd had 65 catches for 1,010 yards and nine touchdowns and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best receiver in the country.
