Georgia's Alec Ogletree announces intent to enter NFL draft

Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) sacks Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) on a fourth and nine play late in the fourth quarter of the Capital One Bowl NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla.

Photo by Associated Press /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Alec Ogletree felt there was no need to wait.

After racking up 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during Tuesday's victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, Georgia's junior inside linebacker announced he was skipping his final season to enter the NFL draft.

"I just felt it was the right time for me," Ogletree said. "Over the break, I had a family meeting and had an even bigger family meeting with grandparents and everyone. I told them what I was going to do, and they were very happy for me, so I'm excited."

Ogletree is rated by ESPN's Mel Kiper as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2013 NFL draft. The 6-foot-3, 232-pounder from the Atlanta suburb of Newnan collected 111 tackles this season, a staggering total considering he was suspended the first four games.

"He can go sideline to sideline and is a dynamic inside linebacker," Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said. "He started out as a safety for us. I love the guy, and he's done everything we've asked him to do.

"I would do anything in the world for him, because he has laid it on the line for us."