BYU receiver decides to turn pro

PROVO, Utah — Since he was 7 years old, Austin Collie has dreamed of playing in the National Football League.The 6-foot-2, 206-pound wide receiver took a big step closer to realizing that dream by announcing Friday that he is forgoing his senior season at BYU to enter the NFL draft.Calling it "the toughest decision I've ever had to make," Collie explained that he is "ready to take on the next challenge. ... I'm confident I'm making the right decision."Collie received an evaluation from the NFL about where he might be drafted, but declined to talk about that evaluation, preferring to keep that between himself and his family. "I'm just looking to make an NFL team," he said.In three seasons with the Cougars, Collie became BYU's all-time leading receiver, hauling in 215 passes for 3,255 yards.He became emotional when talking about his teammates he'll be leaving behind at BYU. "This place means so much to me. I'm sad to leave it," Collie said. "I love BYU. I know the team is capable of big things next year. I would love to be a part of that. But I have a feeling this is the best time for me to move on with my life and start something new. I love my coaches and what they've done for me."BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said he "couldn't be more proud" of Collie. "It's always a good day when you see a player reach some of his goals," he added.As for the void Collie will create on the BYU offense, Mendenhall said, "Austin will be very difficult to replace."Collie said he is withdrawing from school and is focusing now on getting ready for the draft in April. He said the only question about his future at the NFL level is his speed, which is something he will address in workouts between now and April.