Will Fuller is going to turn pro after all.
The Notre Dame wide receiver said Sunday in a statement that he would skip his senior season and go to the NFL.
"First, I would like to start off by thanking my coaches, family, teammates, friends and fans that have supported me throughout my football career. 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."
Fuller, who had 62 catches for 1,258 yards and 14 touchdowns, had mentioned in November his desire to get his degree from Notre Dame.
While many Notre Dame fans will be disappointed that Fuller isn't coming back, going pro is in his best interest. He's likely going to be an early pick in the draft and can still get his degree while trying to achieve his dream of playing professional football. Given football's nature, it's rarely a bad idea for a player to minimize his career risk when considering the NFL.
Notre Dame star linebacker Jaylon Smith is also considered a likely NFL departure, though a Fiesta Bowl knee injury could change his thinking. Smith, the 2015 Butkus Award winner, injured his left knee in the first quarter of the Irish's loss to Ohio State on Friday.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
