WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates III says he will forego his final two seasons of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Bates announced his decision Friday on Twitter, saying he has "envisioned playing in the National Football League my entire life."

Bates had 77 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble as a redshirt sophomore this season while helping the Demon Deacons (8-5) close the season by winning three of four, including a Belk Bowl victory over Texas A&M last week.