What was already a foregone conclusion was made official Thursday afternoon when Michigan State All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy announced he will enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

Worthy, who has already hired an agent, said this impending decision had been on his mind since before Michigan State played Georgia in the Outback Bowl this past Monday. Worthy also mentioned that his family and his father’s health weighed heavily on his decision to forgo his senior season with the Spartans.

Worthy, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound anchor for the best defense in the Big Ten is projected to be a first round draft pick in Aprils NFL Draft. He also finished his final season at Michigan State with 10 1/2 tackles for loss and 3 1/2 sacks.

Ref: Kalamazoo Gazette, DetNews.com (image)