Stanford guard David Yankey will forgo his final season and enter the NFL draft, the school announced Monday.
A unanimous All-American in 2013 and a consensus All-American in 2012, Yankey helped guide the Cardinal to three of their four consecutive BCS bowl appearances, including the Fiesta Bowl in 2011 and back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances in 2012 and 2013.
He's widely considered one of the top pulling guards in the country and is expected to be one of the first players taken at his position. In 2012, he earned All-America honors as a left tackle.
Yankey anchored an offensive line that was considered one of the best in the country, ranking in the top 10 nationally in fewest tackles for loss per game and 11th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game. Stanford's line was also flagged for holding just three times in 14 games.
He helped pave the way for running back Tyler Gaffney's 1,709-yard season and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from Stepfan Taylor the previous two years.
"The decision was not easy," Yankey said. "I have loved my time at Stanford and am a proud member of Nerd Nation. I am humbled at the prospect of joining a long list of Stanford alumni currently playing in the NFL."