"Boston College will start the 2012 football season with a huge hole in the middle of its defense.

Two-time All-American middle linebacker Luke Kuechly last night announced he will declare himself eligible for the NFL draft in April.

"For the past couple of weeks I've sat down with my parents and different coaches from Boston College and people that are close to me who would have the my best (interests) at heart," said Kuechly from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. "The last couple of weeks I came up with the decision to forego my senior year and enter the NFL draft."

Kuechly is the top-rated middle/inside linebacker available. He is considered intellectually ready to be an NFL starter and projected to go in the Nos. 10-15 range in the first round. Being selected in the top half of the round guarantees a seven-figure signing bonus and a multi-year contract.

Kuechly will undergo closer scrutiny at the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 22-28, and he expects to conduct strenuous personal workouts for interested NFL clubs in the coming weeks."