College Park, MD (Sports Network) - University of Maryland junior wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey announced on Wednesday his intention to enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

"After the bowl game, I sat down with my mom, my aunt and Coach (Ralph) Friedgen to explore my options and felt like the time is right to take my game to the next level," Heyward-Bey said. "It was a very difficult decision. I love the University of Maryland and everything people have done for me the last four years."

Heyward-Bey, a native of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, completes his collegiate tenure ranking second in school history in receiving yards (2,089), third in receptions (138) and tied for third in touchdown catches with 13.

In 2008, Heyward-Bey racked up a team-highs with 42 catches for 609 yards with five TD receptions as the Terrapins finished 8-5 overall with a 4-4 record in the ACC, completing the year by topping Nevada in the Humanitarian Bowl.

The third-year wideout, who put together a 45-catch, 694-yard campaign as a redshirt freshman two years ago, followed that by hauling in a career-best 51 balls for 786 yards and three scores in 2007.

"Darrius has made a tremendous contribution to our program over the last four years," Friedgen noted. "He is the kind of young man we want representing the University of Maryland, both on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best in the NFL."