STANFORD, Calif. (AP) - All-American tight end Zach Ertz will forego his final year of eligibility at Stanford to enter the NFL draft.

Ertz said Monday that his decision was made more difficult than expected because of the talent the Cardinal have coming back next season. But he said playing in the NFL always has been his dream and he couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a high draft pick.

Making the move to the pros had been somewhat expected.

Ertz had a team-best 69 receptions for 898 yards and six touchdowns while leading No. 8 Stanford (12-2) to a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin.