MOBILE, Ala. -- Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley is

skipping his senior season at Auburn to enter the NFL draft.

The potential No. 1 overall pick announced his decision Friday

at his old high school, saying he didn't make up his mind until

that morning.

"I was thinking, 'What more could I accomplish my senior

year?' " Fairley said.

He and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton -- who is also turning pro -- led

the Tigers to a 14-0 season and their first national title since 1957.

Fairley was the defensive MVP in the BCS National Championship Game against Oregon when he had a sack, three tackles for losses and forced a fumble. He also led the Southeastern Conference with 24 tackles for a loss and had a school-record 11½ sacks.