Texas A&M's Joeckel to enter NFL Draft

Jan 8, 2013 - 8:14 PM College Station, TX (Sports Network) - Texas A&M junior offensive tackle Luke Joeckel announced Tuesday that he is foregoing his final year of eligibility to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Joeckel, a consensus All-America lineman and winner of the 2012 Outland Trophy, started all 39 games of his Aggie career.

"This was a very difficult decision for me," Joeckel said. "I have thought long and hard and visited with my family and coaches. I feel it is in my best interest to come out. I appreciate all that Texas A&M has done for me and my family. It is tough to leave a great group of coaches and players, including my twin brother Matt. I know they will have a great season in 2013 and I will remain their biggest fan."

The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder picked up All-SEC honors this season and was awarded with the conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

"Luke is projected to be one of the top players selected in the overall draft," Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said. "We appreciate everything he has done for Aggie football and Texas A&M and wish him well in the NFL."