SYRACUSE — Syracuse University football left tackle Justin Pugh announced on Thursday that he will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

Pugh was an all-Big East first team selection in each of the last two seasons, and made 33 starts for the Orange over the last three years.

A 2012 team co-captain, the native of Holland, Pa., also was honored this season as an ECAC Division I Football All-Star and 2012 ESPN.com All-Big East Team selection.

“Justin is a big part of this program turning the corner,” Orange head coach Doug Marrone said. “He came in with us four years ago and gave us everything he had.”

Pugh blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his three seasons as a starter.

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