As much as he loves playing for the University of Utah, sophomore defensive end Paul Kruger couldn't wait to see how he'd fare at the next level and has decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
Kruger, a 6-5, 265-pound All-MWC pick, said he made the decision after discussing his future with his family and praying about it. While it was a difficult decision, he is eager to test himself against the best.
"I can't wait to get the whole training and everything going," Kruger said.
Sources say that junior corner Sean Smith is expected to announce he'll go pro as well.
Both players have been projected as first-round/early second-round picks.
Kruger, a graduate of Timpanogos H.S. in Orem, was recruited to Utah as an All-American high school quarterback. However, coaches found his best talents were on the defensive side of the ball after he returned from a two-year LDS Church mission and he was given a go at defensive end.
It didn't take him long to excel. He was named a Freshman All-American by several organizations in 2007 after finishing with 63 tackles, the most among the Mountain West's freshmen linemen. He established himself as one of the best in 2008, finishing with 15.5 tackles for loss, ranking him 24th nationally, and tying for third in the conference with 7.5 sacks.
He had five tackles in Utah's 31-17 win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
Having such a solid season individually, plus being on a team that went 13-0 and climbed to No. 2 in the Associated Press poll all factored into his decision, Kruger said.
"It was the whole season, everything collectively," he said. "It came down to a decision for me to do what was best for myself and my family."
Even with Paul turning pro, the Kruger name will be associated with the Utes for many seasons to come. His younger brother, Dave, redshirted as a freshman defensive end this season. Another brother, Joe, a 6-8, 245-pound defensive end, has committed to the Utes toward their 2010 class.
Asked how they'd get along without their older brother watching out for them, Paul laughed.
"They're going to be fine," he said.
The 6-3, 214-pound Smith, who didn't return a phone message left on his cell phone, also earned All-MWC honors in 2008. Like Kruger, he came to Utah to play a different position but excelled elsewhere. The former receiver tied for first in the MWC with five interceptions in 2008.
He had five tackles and a forced fumble in the Sugar Bowl.
