September 15, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz (86, left) scores a touchdown against Southern California Trojans linebacker Dion Bailey (18, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Trojans 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz declared for the NFL Draft on Monday afternoon, forfeiting his final year of elegibility.

“In light of achieving our collective dream of winning the Rose Bowl Game, it is difficult to imagine not playing side-by-side with my Stanford brothers for another season,” Ertz said in a statement released by the school.

In 2012, he caught 69 passes for 898 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 13 yards per reception. Perhaps his greatest play as a Cardina came against No. 2-ranked Oregon on the road, where his tremendous leaping touchdown sent the game into overtime where Stanford pulled off the upset.

Ertz, who is considered to be one of the top tight-end prospects to enter the draft, is projected to be a first-round pick.