Toledo wide receiver Eric Page entering NFL draft

Published Jan. 13, 2012 1:54 a.m. ET

foxsports

Toledo wide receiver Eric Page announced Thursday he's leaving school a year early to go into the NFL draft, passing up a chance to break the NCAA's record for receptions in a career.

Page is believed to be the first Toledo player to forego his senior season to enter the draft, school officials said. Nine former Rockets were on NFL rosters this season, including receivers Lance Moore in New Orleans and Arizona's Stephen Williams.

Page, who caught 306 passes during his career, would have needed just 44 catches next year to pass the NCAA mark set by Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles this year.

His decision is a bit of surprise. He had said he planned to return next season after catching 13 passes against Air Force in Toledo's 42-21 victory in the Military Bowl.

Page said he has been told that he likely won't be selected until the third round at the earliest.

He does hold several records at Toledo, including most catches in a season this year with 125.

Page also was a dangerous kick returner. He ran three kickoffs back for touchdowns in his sophomore year.

He was a finalist this season for the Paul Hornung Award, which goes to the nation's most versatile player.