Kansas junior cornerback switching to NFL

LAWRENCE, Kan., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Kansas' All-America cornerback Aqib Talib announced Monday he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Talib helped the eighth-ranked Jayhawks to a 12-1 record in the 2007 season and a 24-21 win over Virginia in the Orange Bowl. He was named MVP of the bowl game after returning an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.

Talib had five interceptions and 66 tackles in 2007. He also caught eight passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns.

"I talked to my family and to (Kansas) Coach Mark Mangino and we all decided that if I wanted to get better, it was time to take it to the next level," Talib said. "We had an excellent season and this is how I want to go out. It was a quick decision."

Mangino said he completely supported Talib in the decision. "Aqib has had a great career here at Kansas and he had a big impact on our program," Mangino said.