Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis makes it official, will enter NFL Draft

Hard to really call this news as OU fans have been expecting this for some time, but for the sake of making it "official" both Lewis (through the university) and Bob Stoops released statements confirming The Hammer's decision to leave early.

Lewis:

"After meeting with my family and coaches and gathering input from various resources, including the NFL, I’ve carefully weighed my options and have decided to forego my senior year at OU and enter the 2012 NFL Draft. My time at OU has produced many fond memories and I hope to keep close ties with my friends, teammates, coaches, football staff and everyone at OU who has helped me along the way. I’d like to personally thank the University of Oklahoma and Coach Stoops for giving me the opportunity to be a Sooner and play on Saturdays in front of the best fans in the country. Without the support of my coaches, my family and so many others, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ll definitely miss my time in Norman, but I’m looking forward to what the future holds. Boomer Sooner!"

Stoops:

"Ronnell leaves with our best wishes. He managed several challenges while playing here, but always worked hard and gave us his very best effort. He has the skill to be a successful NFL player and we feel he’ll do well there. As with any of our players who reach for the top level, he won’t have any bigger fans than those of us at OU."

It will be interesting to see just how Lewis is remembered amongst OU fans as he really never quite made the impact so many hoped for after that breakout performance in the Sun Bowl against Stanford. That said, I'm sure I speak for many an OU fan when I wish him nothing but the best of luck (and health) in his NFL career so that he might provide for him and his family.

Farewell from Sooner Nation Ronnell!