By Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

Oregon junior defensive lineman Arik Armstead filed paperwork Tuesday making himself eligible for the 2015 NFL draft.

"After three years preparing with my teammates and coaches, I feel I'm ready to test myself at the next level," Armstead said. "All the support I've received from Coach Pellum and Coach Aiken, the rest of the Oregon coaches and staff and in my academics has prepared me to make this jump."

“I’ve had an awesome three years here, and I'm so happy I made the decision to be a Duck. I want to thank my coaches, the academic support and athletic training staffs, the Eugene community and Duck fans everywhere for supporting me throughout my three years here. I’ll always be a Duck.”

Armstead is considered a potential first-round talent after contributing on the Oregon defensive line since his true freshman season in 2012. His 5 1/2 tackles for loss as a junior were second among UO defensive linemen, and he led the team with six quarterback hurries.

In Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship game, Armstead tied for the team lead against Ohio State with nine tackles – four more than his previous career high. He also recovered a fumble to set up the field goal that got Oregon within 21-20 in the third quarter.

“We appreciate Arik’s contributions to the program over the last three years and wish him well at the next level,” UO coach Mark Helfrich said.

A former five-star recruit and high school all-American, Armstead played in all 13 games as a true freshman, starting one on the Ducks’ path to a Fiesta Bowl title. He earned a starting nod to open the 2013 season, then started all 13 games in which he played as a junior.

Though he plans to begin training for the draft immediately, Armstead also said he intends eventually to return to the university to complete his undergraduate degree.