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(AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip
his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the
quarterback's decision. Newton led the Tigers to their first
national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory
over Oregon on Monday night in his lone season.

Newton says Auburn is somewhere he can "always call home."
Newton is projected as a first-rounder after winning several
national player of the year awards.

The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial.
He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after
reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services
during Mississippi State's recruitment of his son.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing
for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)