Michgan wide receiver Mario Manningham (86) celebrates the final seconds of Michigan's 47-21 victory over Notre Dame in college football action in this Sept. 16, 2006 file photo in South Bend, Ind. Manningham confirmed Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, he will skip his senior season at Michigan to enter the NFL draft. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond, File)
ANN ARBOR — Mario Manningham confirmed Monday he will skip his senior season at Michigan to enter the NFL draft.

"It was a hard decision, but after discussing it with my family it was the right one for me to make right now," Manningham said in an interview with The Associated Press while driving home to Ohio. "I've heard I will be drafted in the first round because of the lack of depth at wide receiver."

Manningham said he will work out in Cleveland while preparing for the April draft.

New Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez said last week he didn't expect to coach Manningham, fellow wideout Adrian Arrington or quarterback Ryan Mallett at Michigan.

Arrington also passed up his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Mallet left Michigan after his freshman season and plans to transfer to another school.

Manningham is a potential first-round pick after catching 72 passes for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He also rushed 19 times for 119 yards and a score, earning second-team All-America honors.