PAGE TO ENTER NFL DRAFT

January 12, 2012 -Toledo junior wide receiver Eric Page announced today that he will leave school and enter the NFL draft. He said that after the Military Bowl, he discussed his future with family and friends, and decided to enter the draft.

Page said that the NFL expects him to be a mid-round pick.

"I've had a great three years at Toledo," he said. "Without Toledo I wouldn't be where I am right now. I can say that 100%."

Page's three-year career at Toledo is loaded with accolades. As a freshman in 2009, Page caught 82 passes and made numerous Freshman All-America teams. In 2010, he hauled in 99 receptions and also made a huge impact as a kickoff returner. He was the only player in the BCS to return three kickoffs for touchdowns that year, earning a first-team spot on Walter Camp and Sporting News All-America teams. He was the first Rocket in 35 years to make first-team All-America.

This past season, Page caught a school-record 125 passes to lead Toledo to a 9-4 record. His 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown helped key Toledo's 42-41 victory over Air Force in the Military Bowl. Page was named first-team All-MAC at wide receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner, only the third player in BCS history to make first-team all-league at three positions. He also was one of four finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to the nation's most versatile player.

Although he currently doesn't have an agent, Page says that's one thing he working on right now. He's also looking for a training site where he can prepare for the draft. He has been told that he will be invited to the NFL combine.

Although Page had a very good chance to break the NCAA career receptions record next season, he said he wasn't really concerned about statistics.

Page, who said he is 5-9, 180 pounds and runs the forty in 4.51 seconds, consulted some former Rocket players when he was making his decision. "I've had a lot of help from Andrew Hawkins and Stephen Williams. Those two great guys that I look to like big brothers. They both helped me tremendously on this path."

A Dallas Cowboys fan, Page said that he likes to model his game after Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) and DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles).

Asked how his teammates reacted to his decision, Page said, "They were happy for me, and happy that I came to a decision. I've gotten nothing but support from teammates and friends."