Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - University of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez announced Thursday he's going to skip his senior season to make himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest of my life, that's for sure," Sanchez said. "I've toiled over it for a few days now, but in the end after sleepless nights and lots of prayer I have decided that I will forgo a fifth year at USC and declare my eligibility for the 2009 NFL Draft."

Sanchez believes he is ready for the next level after he completed 241-of-366 passes for 3,207 yards with 34 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions this season. The strong-armed Sanchez passed for a career-high 413 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Trojans to a 38-24 victory over Penn State in the Rose Bowl on January 1.

"I can't tell you how excited I am for this dream to come true," Sanchez added. "It has been an absolute honor to represent this university and I will do my best to continue to do that, to be a positive role model in the community and represent what USC is all about."

The 22-year-old Sanchez, who started just three games in 2007, is regarded as one of the top quarterbacks available after Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Florida's Tim Tebow and Texas' Colt McCoy opted to remain in school. Sanchez is planning on earning his degree in communications.

"This is a big moment for Mark Sanchez," USC head coach Pete Carroll said. "I'm thrilled for Mark because he's excited about it. Mark is going against the grain on this decision. He knows that. He knows that coming out early is a tremendous challenge for a quarterback."

Thursday is the deadline for players to submit paperwork to the NFL to make themselves eligible for the NFL Draft.