Jimmy Clausen has decided to skip his final year at Notre Dame and to enter the 2010 draft for the National Football League.

In a move that comes as a shock to no one, Clausen has decided to end his college football career prematurely to enter the draft for the professional ranks.

Clausen was former Fighting Irish Head Coach Carlie Weis' marquee recruit, and when the burly head coach was fired last week, it was widely assumed his gunslinging quarterback would be next out the exit door.

Speculation was further fueled by Clausen's family's decision to sell their house in South Bend, more or less confirming that the Clausens and their boy were heading out of town.

"After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I just feel it's the right time,'' Clausen told ESPN on Monday.

"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.''

In his three years with the Fighting Irish, Clausen was good for 8,148 yards and 60 touchdowns.

Clausen is expected to hold a press conference Monday afternoon to formally announce his decision.

With Weis gone, and Clausen now deciding that he has had enough, will Golden Tate decide that his future also lies in the NFL and follow suit?