Nebraska junior free safety Josh Bullocks announced on Wednesday that he will forgo his final season of eligibility and make himself eligible for the 2005 National Football League Draft.

A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Bullocks finished his Nebraska career second in school history with 13 interceptions, including a Big 12 single-season record of 10 interceptions in 2003. His performance as a sophomore earned him All-America recognition, and he was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2004.

Bullocks said his decision to leave Nebraska and his twin brother, Daniel, was a difficult one, but he is ready for the next challenge in his football career.

"I want to thank everyone at Nebraska and the Husker fans for all they have done for me over the past four years. The experience I have had at Nebraska has been everything you can ask for as a student-athlete and I have never regretted my decision to come to Nebraska. This is the best athletic department in the country and I have been treated with great respect by all of my coaches, the academic advisers and the administration.

"I enjoyed playing for Coach Callahan and this coaching staff, and am excited about the program they are building I just feel like now is the time to take the next step in my football career, and I'm ready for that opportunity. It is tough to leave my teammates here, but I will always be a Husker and will watch them play any time I get a chance, especially next year with Daniel being on the team."