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TEMPE, AZ - Coming off a record-setting season as a junior at Arizona State University, Flathead High School grad Brock Osweiler announced he is skipping his senior season to enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

"I have decided to declare myself eligible for the NFL draft," said Osweiler. "It was an exceptionally difficult decision to make, but having spoken to my family and close friends it became clear to me that this is the next path I must take to advance my personal and professional career."

Osweiler became the first quarterback in ASU history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a single season. He also set new single-season school records for completions (326), attempts (516), and completion percentage (63.2). He threw for 26 touchdowns, the fourth most in school history. Osweiler played in 25 career games as Sun Devil, including 15 as a starter, and threw for 5,082 yards and 33 touchdowns in his three-year ASU career. He also had four rushing touchdowns.

The decision is a blow to new coach Todd Graham, who just took over for the fired Dennis Erickson.

"I met with Brock on several occasions and we discussed his future at length," said Graham. "Brock is doing what he believes is best for him and his family and we respect that. He will always have an open door to come back to at Arizona State University."

Osweiler, the tallest quarterback in the nation at 6' 8", became the first Sun Devil true freshman to start a game at quarterback since Jake Plummer in 1993 when he was named the starter prior to the Sun Devils' contest at No. 14 Oregon on Nov. 14, 2009.

"I wish I could truly thank everyone that has helped me through my years at ASU, but there isn't a proper way to match what everyone has done for me. I have been touched by the most amazing people and have made relationships I know will last my entire life," said Osweiler. "When I arrived in Arizona I was spellbound and culture shocked by Kush stadium. Seventy-two-thousand people could fit in the stadium which is 40,000 more people than the entirety of my hometown of Kalispell, Montana."

Contact Mark Holyoak