Chapel Hill, NC (Betting Express) - University of North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks announced on Monday that he will forgo his last year of eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

The junior is coming off an outstanding performance in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, hauling in eight passes for a school-bowl record 217 yards with touchdown receptions of 73, 66 and 25 yards.

Nicks also set single-season Tar Heel records this season with 1,222 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Nicks said in a release issued by the school that he met with head coach Butch Davis after the bowl game regarding the draft.

"I spoke to several different NFL people on Hakeem's behalf before the bowl game, including coaches, general managers, owners, and position coaches," said Davis, also a former NFL head coach, in the release. "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."

In his three seasons with North Carolina, Nicks set 14 school records. Among those are career receptions (181), career receiving yards (2,580) and career touchdowns (21). Only current Detroit Lion and former Georgia Tech wide out Calvin Johnson has more receiving yards in his career among three-year ACC players.

"Carolina has been a special place for me," said Nicks. "I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the Tar Heel fans for supporting me during my three years in Chapel Hill. It was a dream come true to play at UNC. I look forward to representing North Carolina in the NFL."