University of Georgia junior cornerback Asher Allen announced on Tuesday afternoon that he will be entering the 2009 NFL Draft.

Allen was a two-year starter for the Bulldogs and played several games this past season with a broken hand. He only had three career interceptions.

A Tucker High graduate, Allen appeared in 39 games in his three-year Bulldog career, recording 141 tackles and intercepting three passes two of which came in the 2008 Sugar Bowl win over Hawaii.

On a Statement, Allen said Tuesday that “This was the hardest decision of my life because of my love and respect for Georgia and everyone who is affiliated with Georgia, including the fans, my teammates, my coaches, the academic staff and everyone else.

I have been chasing this dream of playing in the NFL and after making this decision with my family, I feel like I am ready for this next step. But I owe everyone the world who has helped me out during my time at Georgia, Allen continued.

Allen joins quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno as Bulldog underclassmen entering the 2009 NFL draft.