It has been expected for weeks, and today Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen said that it’s official: He’s entering the NFL draft.

Clausen, who will make a formal announcement today, said ex-Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, who knows something about NFL offenses, told him he’s ready to play at the next level.

“After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it’s the right time,” Clausen told ESPN.com. “Coach Weis told me whether he was going to be here or not be here, it was time for me to go. He thought I’ve improved so much since I came to Notre Dame. So, I’m taking his advice, and I’m going to head out.”

Clausen is viewed as one of the top two or three quarterbacks in this year’s draft, with Washington’s Jake Locker and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford (if there are no concerns about the long-term health of his shoulder) being the other quarterbacks with first-round grades in the 2010 draft. Clausen said he thinks he’s as ready for the NFL as a college quarterback can be.

“The scrutiny of being the quarterback at Notre Dame and the head coach at Notre Dame is tough,” Clausen said. “And I think it’ll prepare me really well for the next level.”