All-American linebacker Curtis Lofton will skip his final season at OU to enter the draft, which is April 26-27. Lofton, a junior from Kingfisher, was the Big 12 defensive player of the year in 2007 and led the Sooners in tackles. He joins Sooner receiver Malcolm Kelly as early draft entrants this season. Kelly declared last week.

"Curtis made a lot of big plays during his time here," said OU coach Bob Stoops in a statement released by the school. "We wish him all the best in the NFL."

About a month ago, Lofton said he would enter the NFL draft if his stock was as a high first-round pick. He said he reached the decision to enter the draft on Sunday.

"I'll definitely miss my coaches and teammates," he said in OU's press release. "I came in with my class three years ago and those guys are like brothers to me. And I'll miss playing in front of those 85,000 fans."

Lofton, had 157 tackles last season, the sixth-best total in school history. He also established a school record with nine double-digit tackle games. He had a career-high 18 tackles in OU's first meeting with Missouri in 2007. OU has produced a first-round NFL draft selection in each of the last six years, and 35 Sooners have been chosen in the draft in Stoops' nine seasons as coach.

Lofton credited OU with preparing him for the draft.

"It starts with great coaches and a system that from day one develops you as a person and player,"