"It's the toughest decision I've ever had to make because I love it here. I love BYU," Collie said. "I know the team is capable of huge things next year. Do I want to be a part of that? Yeah, I would love to be a part of that. But I have a feeling that this is the best time for me to move on with my life and start something new. I love the guys I played with. I have created some relationships here that I will never forget. I love my coaching staff and all my coaches and what they've done for me, helping me get to where I need to get. I'm so appreciative of them and especially coach Mendenhall and what he's done for me."

What advice did Mendenhall give him?

"Obviously, he told me he wanted me to stay. He told me it would probably be best for the team," he said. "But he told me if it feels right, and that's what you feel you have to do, then do it, and if you're certain about it, then go at it 100 percent. I appreciate the advice he gave me."

Collie could receive an invitation to the NFL scouting combine, which will be held in February, and he said he plans to be on campus for BYU's Pro Day in March. Between now and then, he wasn't sure if he will remain in Provo or go to Los Angeles to train.

Collie has withdrawn from school and will begin preparing for the draft on Tuesday. A communications major, Collie said he is about 1 1/2 years away from graduating. But he said he will earn his degree.

Collie said he hasn't hired an agent yet, having "narrowed it down to a couple."

Talking about his strengths, Collie also acknowledged a perceived weakness. "I think I have lots to offer (in the NFL). I'm a receiver who can catch the ball and run routes. The only question now is my speed. I'm going to be working my butt off the next couple of months to try to prove that and prove that I am fast enough to play at the next level. ... Speed determines a lot as far as the draft. That's just me personally. That's just one of the things I'm focusing on. I'm focusing on being an all-around player and working on the little things."

After making his decision to leave BYU, Collie talked to two of his teammates, quarterback Max Hall and tight end Dennis Pitta. "They're happy for me. As teammates, they're sad for me to leave," he said. "But I couldn't have gotten a better response from them. Very positive. Excited for me. That's what true friends are about."

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe, who attended the news conference, along with Mendenhall, called it a "bittersweet day" for him and for BYU fans. He thanked Collie for all he did for the school.

"You think back on his career here and to be the all-time leading receiver at BYU, with a year to go, folks, we've had some pretty good teams through the years," Holmoe said. "To be the all-time leading receiver with a year to go is something that's incredible."

Leaving as BYU's all-time leading receiver "means a lot," Collie said. "I'm honored to have that status here. Honestly, it's been one of my goals since I decided to come to BYU.I'm happy I was able to do it, but I couldn't have done it without the offensive line. They were unbelievable. I couldn't have done it without Max and the way he led me and led the team.

Mendenhall said Friday was a day to celebrate what Collie has accomplished on and off the field at BYU.

"I couldn't be more proud of who he is and what he stood for. I'm anxious now for the NFL to see who he is and what he stands for," Mendenhall added. "I think Austin will have a chance to do a lot of good for our institution and our faith. I'm anxious to watch Austin's life unfold at the next level."

Mendenhall and his staff now face the task of filling Collie's void going into next season.

"Austin will be very difficult to replace," Mendenhall said. "There isn't a given player who can do it. But I feel like our program has a great foundation, and we're making remarkable strides in consistency."

E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com