Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong will forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft, the school announced Monday.
Strong was a first-team selection on the ESPN.com All-America team and a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist after catching 75 passes for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Strong is projected to be a first-round draft pick by ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay and was ranked as the No. 4 draft-eligible receiver in the country by ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr.
His 2,184 career receiving yards -- in just two seasons -- ranks eighth in school history.
"Jaelen's enormous impact was felt from the first day he stepped on the practice field with us more than 16 months ago," ASU coach Todd Graham said in a statement. "His work ethic, attention to detail and overall football IQ are just a few of his attributes that make him such a special talent."
Strong, a Philadelphia native, transferred to ASU from Pierce College before the 2013 season, where he was one of the nation's most sought-after junior college players.
"First, I would like to thank Coach [Todd] Graham and the staff for believing in me from day one," Strong said in a statement. "I'd like to thank the Sun Devil Nation, the fans, and all of the people who work behind the scenes that I encounter every day that have been like a family to me. Most importantly, I would like to thank my teammates, my brothers, for having my back through thick and thin."
Arizona State (9-3) will play Duke (9-3) in the Hyundai Sun Bowl on Dec. 27.