USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil has decided to forgo his senior season and seek entry into the 2012 NFL draft.

"The decision to leave USC after my junior year was not an easy one to make," Kalil said in a statement Friday. "I love this university. That's why it took a while to decide. I wanted to look at both sides of the decision and talk to a number of people. Ultimately, I sat down with my family, including my father and brother who both know the pro football experience, and I made the decision that is best for me.

"I realize that if I came back to USC next season, I could be part of some special things here and potentially win a national championship. That was very tempting. But in my research, I came to the conclusion that I can be the No. 1 tackle drafted and you can't go any higher than that. Now is the right time to go. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I have to take it."

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen first reported Kalil's decision.