“After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw from Stanford University for the winter quarter in order to fully devote my energies towards the pursuit of my dream of playing in the NFL,” Gerhart said in a statement. “While I certainly will miss patrolling left field on the Sunken Diamond or running through the gaping holes created by my O-linemen on the gridiron at Stanford Stadium, I will forever cherish the camaraderie, friendships, and memories that I forged here at Stanford with all my friends, teammates, and coaches.

“I want to give special thanks to Coach Harbaugh for resurrecting the program, running backs coach Willie Taggart for making me the player I am today, and the Tunnel Workers Union (O-Line) for doing the dirty work which made my life easier. We’ve been through a lot of adversity during my time here, but I’m extremely proud to have been part of the class that brought Stanford football back to national prominence.

“Most of all, I wish to thank the entire student body, and Stanford fans everywhere, for the tremendous support and boundless enthusiasm they have shown us over the past four years.

“I have been blessed to have spent time at this special place and have seen first-hand how the Stanford family takes care of not just its own members, but the disadvantaged and underprivileged within our community as well. Because of that, I urge Stanford fans everywhere to join me in extending a helping hand to the devastated citizens of Haiti. They need our help now. Whether it’s a small donation of food, bottled water or medical supplies, a monetary gift to the United Nations or the Red Cross, or volunteering whatever aid you can provide, please do so. Keep all those affected and providing rescue in our thoughts and prayers.”

Gerhart rushed for a school record 1,871 yards — averaging 5.5 yards per carry — and lead the nation with 27 touchdowns this season. For his career, Gerhart totaled 3,522 yards rushing and 43 touchdowns.

The former Cardinal star is currently projected as a mid-second to third round selection.

Texas redshirt sophomore safety Earl Thomas has decided to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Bruce Feldman just reported via his twitter account.

The first-team All-American had an impressive 8 interceptions this season — two returned for touchdowns. In his career at Texas, the safety has had 134 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles.

Thomas set a single-season school record with his eight interceptions and 15 pass deflections this season. He also led the nation with 23 passes defensed.

Thomas is currently the second ranked safety and 12th overall prospects according to NFL Mocks.

His small frame will draw some concern from a handful of scouts, but his ball-hawking skills and ability to cover like a corner will make him a valuable asset to a NFL roster.

Southern Cal junior running back Joe McKnight will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Joe Schad.

“This was my first healthy season and I really don’t want to come back and risk injury,” said the junior tailback.

McKnight was held out of the team’s bowl game after being the center of a USC compliance investigation. Reports were circulating that McKnight received improper benefits from a business owner that included a SUV.

This season, the Trojans leading rusher ran for over 1,000 yards and added 8 touchdowns. Throughout his three-year career, McKnight totaled 2,213 yards and 13 touchdowns.

McKnight will likely here his name called in the second-round in the upcoming draft.

There were talent evaluators from many NFL teams at the game — Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — but Chris Steuber of Scout.com has said in his Draft Journal that one team showed a high interest in a specific player.

Dolphins Director of College Scouting Chris Grier was keeping a close eye on LaFell, who is exactly the kind of receiver the Dolphins need.

At 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, LaFell has the NFL size, but he also has big play ability. What separates the former-LSU pass catcher from the current receivers on the Dolphins roster is his ability and willingness to go over the middle and make the tough, physical catches.

LaFell is currently No. 19 on the NFL Mocks Big Board, however, due to team needs and how the draft order will fall, he could find himself going in the mid-2nd round. This plays out even better for the Dolphins who could then use their first-round selection on one of the top nose tackle prospects in the 2010 draft.

LaFell ended his career at LSU with 175 receptions, 2,517 yards, and 25 touchdowns.

Iowa offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga has become the second Hawkeye underclassmen in as many years to leave the program early for the NFL Draft.

In a statement just recently released, Bulaga said:

“After much deliberation and careful consideration, I have decided to forego my fourth year of college eligibility and enter the upcoming NFL draft. This was not an easy decision since my Iowa experience has been very positive and rewarding.

“The illness I was faced with at the beginning of the 2009 season made me realize how important football is in my life and how quickly it can be taken away. I want to thank Coach Ferentz, Coach (Reese) Morgan and the rest of the Iowa football staff who played a significant role in my development.

“I will always be a Hawkeye and will carry that with me proudly wherever my future takes me. Thanks to everyone for the support you’ve always given me.”

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz commented on Bulaga’s departure saying, “Bryan has been a valued team member, well beyond his outstanding play on the field,” Ferentz said in his own statement. “I’m very appreciative of his efforts on the team’s behalf. I am confident Bryan will do very well in the years to come and again be a valuable asset to his future team. We wish him the best and continued success.”

Bulaga is currently No. 15 on the NFL Mocks Big Board.

Earlier in the week, our Andrew Melnick posted that South Florida standout Jason Pierre-Paul was still undecided on his NFL future.

Now, thanks to TampaBay.com, we have learned that the first-round talented has decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Pierre-Paul’s head coach, Jim Leavitt said, “I think it’s a decision you’ve got to make. I was encouraging him. He’s been a great kid, and it’s hard to look at a young man and tell him to stay.”

The first-team All-Big East defensive end is currently rated at No. 17 on the NFLMocks.com Big Board and his unlimited potential will land him in the first-round.

Jimmy Clausen played his final 10 games at Notre Dame with torn ligaments in his right big toe and has told ESPN.com that he will will undergo surgery Tuesday morning.

He is expected to be sidelined for two-to-three months, but intends to throw for pro scouts in early April. The operation will be performed by renowned foot specialist Mark Myerson in Baltimore.

The injury occured in a Sept. 19 game against Michigan State. Clausen was initially diagnosed with turf toe.

“I heard a pop,” Clausen said. “I thought I broke it.”

While the injury will hold Clausen out of the NFL Scouting Combine, a league executive says the injury could actually help Clausen’s draft stock.

“This will help him,” the executive says. “The fact that he played through that just shows his toughness and love [for] the game, and more importantly, his commitment to his teammates.”

Jimmy Clausen is currently rated the No. 1 quarterback on the NFL Mocks Big Board. Two teams that have shown serious interest in Clausen have been the St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins. Both teams pick in the top six of the upcoming draft.

“I sat down with my family and the right choice for me is to pursue the next level,” Bowman said. “I’m proud of my accomplishments in college but it’s also a time to take care of my family.

“I have played for the best linebackers coach in the country. He’s taught me how to make plays. He’s taught me to have sound technique. I have been a part of a great tradition at Penn State. I missed a few games this season, but I feel I really finished the season strong.”

In two years as a starter at Penn State, Bowman totaled 199 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, and seven sacks. The junior from District Heights, MD. will become the latest high profile defender to enter the NFL out of “Linebacker U.”

Bowman will be a first-round selection. His versatility and impeccable tackling technique will attract many teams in his direction. Of course, Bowman has also had a few off the field incidents so that may make some teams look away.

At 6′2″, 235 lbs., he has the size to play at the next level. Bowman is incredible against the run and the ability to drop back in pass coverage makes him a perfect fit at outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez was one of Tim Tebow’s favorite targets this season and it appears as if Hernandez will follow the senior quarterback Tebow to the NFL. Hernandez also joins Gators cornerback Joe Haden as an early entry.

Hernandez won the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, this year after tallying an impressive 68 receptions, 850 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel was the first to report Hernandez’s decision writing:

After emerging as the nation’s best tight end in 2009, Florida’s Aaron Hernandez is expected to forgo his senior season and apply for the NFL draft.

I’ve been told Hernandez already has informed members of the team of his intentions to leave for the draft in April.

Hernandez will look to compete with Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham to be the first tight end drafted in 2010. He currently projects as a second-rounder.