Mon Jan 7 20:37:00 2008

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Kansas' Talib will forego senior season for NFL

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Lawrence, KS (Sports Network) - All-American Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib announced Monday he will skip his senior season, and enter the NFL Draft.

Talib helped the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record in the 2007 season, and a 24-21 win in the Orange Bowl on January 3. He was also named MVP of the bowl game for returning an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.

This past season, he grabbed five interceptions, made 66 tackles, and even caught eight passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns. Talib is projected to be a second-round NFL draft pick.

"I talked to my family and to (Kansas head coach Mark Mangino) and we all decided that if I wanted to get better, it was time to take it to the next level," Talib said. "We had an excellent season and this is how I want to go out. It was a quick decision."

Mangino said he completely supported Talib in the decision.

"Aqib has had a great career here at Kansas and he has had a big impact on our program," Mangino said. "I wish him the same kind of success at the next level that he had here in our program."