Boston College defensive end Max Holloway will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter this year's NFL Draft, according to the school.

Defensive end Max Holloway, who would have been a fifth-year senior in 2012, has announced he will enter this year’s NFL draft.

— BC Football News (@BCFootballNews) January 12, 2012

Holloway prepared the following statement.

"I love Boston College, and I have earned my degree. I'm excited about moving on to the next chapter in my life."

Holloway would have been a fifth-year senior if he had returned to school this coming year. He had a solid year in 2011, finishing fourth on the team with 47 tackles (29 solo, 18 assists), eight TFLs, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups and an interception. The junior DE may best be remembered this past season for his fourth down pass breakup of N.C. State QB Mike Glennon, which helped preserve a 14-10 win over the Wolfpack.

The Boston College defense returns plenty of talent in 2012, but Holloway's departure does up the total number of defensive players lost to five. Holloway's backup, DE Dan Williams, FC Donnie Fletcher and MLB Will Thompson all graduate, while both Kuechly and now Holloway will test the NFL Draft waters as juniors.