Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams entering NFL draft

Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams announced on Friday that he will forgo his final two years of eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL Draft. Over 12 games this season, Williams led the Gophers with 36 catches, 569 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Minnesota tight end Maxx Williamsannounced on Friday that he will forgo his final two years of eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL Draft. 

Over 12 games this season, Williams led the Gophers with 36 catches, 569 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. 

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound redshirt sophomore earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Mackey Award given to the nation's top tight end.

• WATCH: Maxx Williams hurdles defender on long touchdown

“We appreciate all that Maxx and his family have done for the program,” Minnesota coach Jerry Kill said in a news release. “They are great people and we wish nothing but the best for Maxx as he begins his professional career. Maxx has been an integral part in laying the foundation for our program and has helped move our team forward.”

Williams, the son of former NFL center Brian Williams, is regarded as one of the top tight end prospects in this draft class. 

In Thursday's loss to Missouri in the Citrus Bowl, Williams caught seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.

- Chris Johnson