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[RJINTAMPA]

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will enter the NFL draft after leading Auburn to the school's second national championship.

His announcement comes three days after the Tigers beat Oregon in the BCS title game and two days before the deadline to declare for the draft. Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley will announce his plans Friday.

    "This decision was difficult for me and my family," Newton said in a statement. "After talking to Coach (Gene) Chizik and Coach (Gus) Malzahn, I think it is best that I make that next step in my career and forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft. It was a very hard decision for me, especially after coming off the great season we had at Auburn. I'm blessed to have been around an excellent environment and have great teammates, coaches and support from the Auburn family."

Newton currently is projected to be a first-round pick on Mel Kiper's Big Board after a season rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns and throwing for 2,854 yards and 30 scores.

    "We appreciate Cameron's many contributions to Auburn and the outstanding leader that he was for our football team," Chizik said. "He had one of the greatest individual seasons ever by an Auburn player and was a key part of our championship run. Cam will always be a member of the Auburn family and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Newton played the past three months for the Tigers with an ongoing NCAA investigation into the actions of his father during his recruiting. It was determined Cecil Newton solicited money from representatives of Mississippi State, but since there was no evidence that Cam Newton was aware of the deal, he was allowed to continue playing.

Cecil Newton was forced to keep his distance from the program, but he was seen celebrating on the field with his son, despite an announcement from Auburn that he was not attending the game.

Even though Newton has left for the NFL, the NCAA is still investigating the matter. Should new details be uncovered, it is possible Auburn's championship could be penalized in a similar manner as USC was hit with sanctions four years after Reggie Bush finished his career.

[Schembechler of Michigan]

I figured Newton would enter the draft.

[TigerStripe]

Isn't he getting paid enough at Auburn? 

[Bearsman]

HAHAHA Tiger!!!!     I have been a big critic of Cam Newton this whole past season and without Cam Newton at Auburn there is no way they'd end up winning the National Title.

Lets be real here he's good,but Auburn would be lost without him this past season. ;P

[TigerStripe]

HAHAHA Tiger!!!!     I have been a big critic of Cam Newton this whole past season and without Cam Newton at Auburn there is no way they'd end up winning the National Title.

Lets be real here he's good,but Auburn would be lost without him this past season. ;P

That's why I felt he was the most valuable player this year despite the fact that I really didn't like him because he's a weasel (and so is his dad).

[Bearsman]

Yeah, to be honest I see right through him.

I know how you feel because I knew after those allegations he had this past season that he was not who I thought he was. His dad really messed things up as well.

Not many people feel the same. Thanks for agreeing with me Tiger!

[TigerStripe]

Yeah, to be honest I see right through him.

I know how you feel because I knew after those allegations he had this past season that he was not who I thought he was. His dad really messed things up as well.

Not many people feel the same. Thanks for agreeing with me Tiger!

I just call it like I see it.

[Bearsman]

Yeah will see where he goes.

[RJINTAMPA]

I think he will drop.... how low will he go is the question?

[favre4prez]

wouldnt be surprised if auburn doesnt make a bowl game next year... theyre going to be trash

[RJINTAMPA]

wouldnt be surprised if auburn doesnt make a bowl game next year... theyre going to be trash

True, however, they won a National Title, which brings in a lot of money, and new found interest to the college.

[favre4prez]

true, but you also see what happened to texas when they lost mccoy and shipley along with thomas, kindle, etc... especially in that sec conference itll be extremely hard to make a bowl game after losing their 2 best players and now their leading receiver

[RJINTAMPA]

true, but you also see what happened to texas when they lost mccoy and shipley along with thomas, kindle, etc... especially in that sec conference itll be extremely hard to make a bowl game after losing their 2 best players and now their leading receiver

yeah... Auburn is done... just like Texas.

[favre4prez]

texas had the #2 recruiting class last year if im not mistaken, and they have the #1 recruiting class this year so theyll still be around... just a bump in the road... kiper and mcshay have newton going 10th to the redskins