Stanford TE Zach Ertz to enter NFL Draft

Zach Ertz has declared for the 2013 NFL Draft. (Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)

Stanford Cardinal junior tight end Zach Ertz will declare for the 2013 NFL Draft, the player announced on Monday.

Ertz emerged this year as one of the best offensive players in the nation thanks to his performances with the Cardinal. Ertz was Stanford's top receiving threat through the year, leading the team with 69 receptions for 898 yards and six touchdown grabs. He won the Rose Bowl with Stanford this year with a 20-14 victory over Wisconsin. In a statement, Ertz said:

"In light of achieving our collective dream of winning the Rose Bowl Game, it is difficult to imagine not playing side-by-side with my Stanford brothers for another season. However, after returning home and talking to my family, coaches and advisors and conducting a thorough analysis of the situation, I have decided to forego my final year of eligibility at Stanford University. It has been a dream of mine to play in the NFL for as long as I can remember, and I would not be in this position without my coaches, professors and everyone associated with the university."