South Carolina is officially losing one of it's go-to options in the passing game next year.

Junior tight end Hayden Hurst announced Thursday via Twitter he will forgo his senior year and declare early for the NFL Draft.

"After sitting down with my family and Coach Muschamp I have decided to declare for the NFL Draft after this season. This was one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make because of how special South Carolina is to me. This university has completely changed my life and leaving next month will be extremely hard, but I am on to pursuing my next dream and representing Gamecock nation wherever I end up."

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Hurst, who came to school after a brief stint in professional baseball, turned 24 in August. He's currently listed as one of the top, if not the best, tight end prospect in this year's class.

He's currently second on the team with 518 reception yards and will leave South Carolina with the most receptions by a tight end in school history and more than likely second all-time in yards by a tight end.

Hurst caught 41 passes this year, second on the team behind Bryan Edwards, and had three total touchdowns.

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Earlier this season he stayed mum on if he would declare, saying he was going to wait until after the regular season to announce.

It's been a busy week for him as he was placed on the AP's and SEC's All-Conference teams.

Unless he opts not to play, which he hasn't indicated he won't, Hurst still has one game left in the garnet and black. South Carolina (8-4, 5-3 SEC) will take on Michigan (8-4, 5-4 Big 10) in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day.

It'll be the last collegiate game of his career after walking on under Steve Spurrier and getting his chance with head coach Will Muschamp.

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"I love Columbia, the University of South Carolina and everyone involved in the Gamecock football program," his statement read. "Each and every person I have come into contact with here has had a hand in my development. I owe everything I have become to this school, Coach Muschamp and his staff for giving me a chance to prove myself and become the man I am today."