Stanford, CA (Sports Network) - Stanford Cardinal tight end and leading receiver Zach Ertz announced Monday his plans to declare for the 2013 NFL Draft.

Ertz, a junior, will forgo his final season of eligibility after helping Stanford (12-2) to a 2012 Pac-12 championship and Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin on Jan. 1.

"It has been a dream of mine to play in the NFL for as long as I can remember, and I would not be in this position without my coaches, professors and everyone associated with the University ... I will certainly be cheering loudest when we win the national championship next year," Ertz said in a statement.

In 14 games this season, he led the Cardinal with 69 receptions, 898 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

The Sports Network