North Carolina WR Hicks opts for draft

Jan 5, 2009 - 4:23 PM CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Coming off a spectacular performance against West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, North Carolina junior wide receiver Hakeem Nicks announced Monday that he will enter this year's NFL draft.

Nicks caught eight passes for a North Carolina bowl-record 217 yards and three touchdowns in the Tar Heels' 31-30 loss to the Mountaineers.

The speedy 6-1, 210-pounder set single-season schools records in 2008 for receiving yards (1,222) and touchdowns (12).

"I have decided to file the paperwork necessary to enter the 2009 NFL draft," Nicks said. "I met with Coach (Butch) Davis after the game and I appreciate the feedback he gave me and the support he has provided during the decision-making process. His contacts in the NFL are invaluable."

Playing in his hometown of Charlotte, Nicks caught TD passes of 73, 66 and 25 yards in the first half against West Virginia. His 217 yards receiving were the second-most by a Tar Heel, and he became just the third player in school history to post a 200-yard receiving game.

"Carolina has been a special place for me," Nicks added. "It was a dream come true to play at UNC. I look forward to representing North Carolina in the NFL."

In just three seasons, Nicks has established 14 school records at North Carolina, including career receptions (181), career receiving yards (2,580) and career touchdowns (21).

This season, Nicks was named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference after catching 68 passes. He is the only player in UNC history with more than 1,000 yards receiving in a season.

Nicks helped lead the Tar Heels to an 8-5 record this season and their first bowl appearance in four years.

"I believe he has the physical and mental makeup to be a productive NFL player for many years," Davis said. "We will always be thankful to Hakeem for what he has done for this program and the exciting times he provided the Carolina fans."