UCLA Bruins junior defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy said Tuesday he would forgo his senior season to make himself available for this spring's NFL draft.

The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder sent out a tweet that said simply, "Thank you Bruins family! #GoBruins."

The tweet was accompanied by a longer statement from McCarthy, which read in part: "This was an extremely difficult decision but it is best for my family and myself."

This past season, McCarthy played in all 13 games for the Bruins though he did not start any of them. He finished the season with 21 total tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.

UCLA's defense already is losing seniors Eric Kendricks, Anthony Jefferson and Owamagbe Odighizuwa, all of whom are potential draft picks.