News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, holder of 14 North Carolina records, won't be returning to set any more. The junior has decided to forego his senior season and declare early for the NFL, the school announced. He's the first star Tar Heel football player to do so since Julius Peppers went early after the 2001 season.

“I have decided to file the paperwork necessary to enter the 2009 NFL Draft,” Nicks said in a prepared statement. “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.”

Nicks' records include career receptions (181), career receiving yards (2,580) and career touchdowns (21). In his junior 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.

“I spoke to several different NFL people on Hakeem’s behalf before the bowl game, including coaches, general managers, owners, and position coaches,” coach Butch Davis, who coached 10 years in the NFL with Dallas and Cleveland, said in a prepared statement. “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.”

Nicks had five 100-plus yard receiving games this season, when UNC finished 8-5. The only three-year player in ACC history with more career receiving yards than Nicks is former Georgia Tech All-America and 2007 NFL first-round pick Calvin Johnson.