UCLA Star LB Declares For NFL Draft

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers has decided to forego his senior season and apply for the NFL draft.

The junior All-America says the decision to leave is what's best for his family.

Coach Rick Neuheisel on Monday said Ayers has been a big-play performer throughout his career and he supports his decision to move on.

Ayers finished third in voting for the Butkus Award, and was selected to the All-Pac-10 first team. He started all 12 games during the season, and was fourth on the team with 68 tackles, tied for first with 4.0 sacks, second with 10.0 tackles for loss and tied for second with two interceptions.

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