COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey will skip his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL draft.

Heyward-Bey ranks second in school history in career receiving yards (2,089), is third in receptions (138) and tied for third in touchdown catches (13).

"After the bowl game I sat down with my mom, my aunt and coach (Ralph) Friedgen to explore my options and felt like the time is right to take my game to the next level," Heyward-Bey said Wednesday. "It was a very difficult decision. I love the University of Maryland and everything people have done for me the last four years. Not only the coaches, but also the players and support staff."

This year, Heyward-Bey led the Terrapins with 42 catches for 609 yards and five touchdowns.

"Darrius has made a tremendous contribution to our program over the last four years," Friedgen said. "He is the kind of young man we want representing the University of Maryland, both on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best in the NFL."

The NFL draft is scheduled for April 25-26. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to enter their name in the draft.