North Carolina linebacker Andre Smith announced on Twitter on Sunday afternoon he's entering his name in the NFL draft and leaving UNC.

A 6-0, 240-pound junior from Jacksonville, FL, Smith played as a true freshman, getting a couple of series at the Mike linebacker position a an apprentice under Jeff Schiettmer. Then as a sophomore, he anchored the defense, calling its signals and finished the season with 113 tackles, including six for a loss of yardage. He also recorded three pass breakups.

This past fall, Smith registered 21 tackles in two games and returned an interception 73 yards before being lost for the season with a knee injury versus Louisville.

Smith's departure leaves a huge void at linebacker for UNC, as Ayden Bonilla is graduating and opted to leave the program with a year of eligibility remaining. Cole Holcomb is the lone returning starter, and Jonathan Smith, a sophomore who played at times in place of Andre Smith this season, will also be back.