LB Geno Hayes withdraws from Florida State to turn pro

1/9/2008 10:29 AM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -Florida State linebacker Geno Hayes will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft in April.

Hayes, a junior, called it a tough decision and thanked coach Bobby Bowden and the coaching staff.

``I know he has the ability to play at that level,'' Bowden said. ``It is just a matter of time.''

Hayes was second on the team in tackles and an Atlantic Coast Conference first-team pick in 2007.

He is the second Florida State linebacker in as many years to leave early. Lawrence Timmons was a first-round pick in 2007 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hayes is not projected as high and Bowden had said earlier that he hoped the player would come back to improve his draft stock.

Hayes also made news off the field. He was stunned with a Taser by Tallahassee police in September after a 2 a.m. altercation outside a bar.

In November, he predicted Florida quarterback ``Tim Tebow's going down'' four days before the Seminoles were beaten 45-12 by the Gators. Hayes made only one tackle late in the game.