Missouri DE Aldon Smith declares for draft

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Standout Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith will enter the NFL draft.

Smith, a redshirt sophomore from Raytown, Mo., set a school single-season record with 11 1/2 sacks his freshman season and was Big 12 Conference defensive freshman and newcomer of the year. He missed three games with a broken leg and had 5 1/2 sacks along with 48 tackles, 10 of them for loss, last season.

"It's been my dream for as long as I can remember to play in the NFL, so this is something I'm really excited for," Smith said in a statement.

Like quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who made himself available for the NFL draft Monday, Smith will forgo his final two seasons of college eligibility.

Smith was among at least four Missouri players who sought evaluations from the NFL to help decide whether to declare. Defensive end Jacquies Smith and tight end Michael Egnew also were evaluated.

Tigers coach Gary Pinkel called Smith "one of the most gifted athletes in the country at his position."

"We'd love to have the chance to coach him longer, but we're 100 percent behind him and supportive with this decision," Pinkel said.

Missouri has had 15 players drafted over the last six years, including six last year.