Michigan's top receiver, junior Devin Funchess, will forgo his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL draft this spring.
Funchess made the decision to turn pro Tuesday, according to a statement he made through the university's athletic website. He leaves Michigan with 126 catches for 1,715 yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons.
"It's always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and I am prepared to take the next step in my journey," Funchess said. "I want to personally thank [coach Brady] Hoke and his staff. I've learned life and character lessons from them, and they have helped me become a better person and man."
Hoke was fired as Michigan's coach last week and said goodbye to his team at an awards banquet Monday night. The statement did not say if Hoke's departure had any effect on Funchess' decision to leave school.
Funchess spent the first two seasons of his college career as a tight end before switching to wide receiver as a junior. His final season got off to a promising start with three touchdown receptions in Michigan's opening game against Appalachian State, but his production dipped as the offense struggled through a disappointing 5-7 year for the Wolverines.
The Michigan native's 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame makes him a versatile pass-catcher and an attractive professional prospect. Funchess was ranked as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the draft earlier this year by ESPN's Mel Kiper.
"He dropped some catchable balls, but he's a big target and he's got a lot of athletic ability," Kiper said. "He's probably going to be a second-round pick. He didn't have a great year. He was a little inconsistent but he's got a lot of talent."
Funchess said he leaves Ann Arbor with fond memories of the school and its football program.
"I love Michigan," he said. "From the former players to the fans, it's a special place. The opportunity to play in the Big House in front of 100,000 strong each week, those are memories that will last with me forever. It's been an honor to strap on the winged helmet for three years with my teammates, and I will always bleed maize and blue."