Mississippi OT Oher enters draft

Jan 15, 2008 - 3:50 AM OXFORD, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher will forego his senior season and enter April's NFL draft, the school announced on Monday.

Oher started 34 consecutive games over his three seasons with the Rebels and earned All-Southeastern Conference honors each of the past two campaigns, helping pave the way for BenJarvus Green-Ellis' back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns.

"I just felt it was time for me to move on and pursue options to do new things," Oher said. "Attending Ole Miss was a positive experience for me, and I had a good time. I'm sorry we didn't go to a bowl game during my three years, and I wish I could have helped us reach that goal.

"Most of all, I will miss my teammates, especially guys like (defensive back) Jamarca Sanford, (offensive linemen) Peria Jerry (and) John Jerry, (defensive end) LaMark Armour and (wide receiver) Marshay Green."

It was a celebrated college career for the 6-5, 325-pound Oher, who arrived at Ole Miss as the nation's top prep offensive tackle. He even was the subject of a New York Times bestseller about football's evolution.