Oaks Christian graduate Jimmy Clausen has opted to forgo his senior season at Notre Dame and enter the NFL Draft.

The star quarterback announced his decision early this week after meeting with former Fighting Irish coach Charlie Weis.

“After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it’s the right time,” said Clausen during an ESPN.com interview Monday, the day the story broke.

“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, who helped guide Oaks Christian to four CIF-Southern Section titles from 2003-06, had a breakout junior season for the Fighting Irish, throwing for 3,722 yards and 28 TDs.

He was in the Heisman Trophy discussion for much of the season until Notre Dame lost its final four games to finish 6-6.

OCHS head coach Bill Redell said Clausen’s decision to leave Notre Dame was the right choice.

“With Charlie leaving and Jimmy having the year that he had, it’s probably time for him to come out,” Redell said.

Redell said Clausen would be the first Oaks Christian player drafted into the NFL.

Early projections have Clausen rated as a likely firstround pick come April. — Stephen Dorman
Mel Kiper’s Big Board
1) Ndamukong Suh, DT,
Nebraska
2) Gerald McCoy, DT,
Oklahoma
3) Eric Berry, DB,
Tennessee
4) Jimmy Clausen, QB,
Notre Dame
Kiper is an NFL Draft
expert for ESPN