A sidebar from Texas Tech's win over Arizona State in the National University Holiday Bowl was the future status of Texas Tech junior tight end Jace Amaro.  The rumors had been circling for awhile that Amaro was considering making an early leap to the NFL.

Well, Amaro put the matter to rest after the game, "On behalf of Texas Tech and all the fans and Coach (Kingsbury) and all the players, my family, all my friends from back home, I'm going to forego my senior season and decided to play in the NFL next season.

"I felt like it was the best decision for me personally and it took a lot of time and if it was about money or anything else, I wouldn't have been debating it for so long and it was a hard decision because I love these guys and they mean the world to me and of course, I want to come back but, yeah, at the same time it's too big of an opportunity to pass up."

Amaro last night had eight catches for 112 yards.  In 2013 he finished with 106 receptions for 1352 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The 6'5" tight end was also the fourth Red Raider in school history to earn unanimous First Team All-America honors.

Amaro elaborated on leaving the Red Raiders, "I feel like I did a great job this year and I know what I can do next year.  I can improve on a lot of things but for my sake I feel like it's my time to go and thank you for everything Texas Tech has done for me and my family and it's hard to imagine that I'll never play at the Jones again and running out of that tunnel.  Right now I can't believe it's all over for me.  I thank God for every single moment I've had."

Amaro was recognized by the following outlets and award organizations for his stellar 2013 season:

1st Team All-America (AFCA)
1st Team All-America (CBS Sports)
1st Team All-America (Associated Press)
1st Team All-America (Sports Illustrated)
1st Team All-America (SB Nation)
1st Team All-America (The Sporting News)
1st Team All-America (Athlon Sports)
1st Team All-America (FWAA)
1st Team All-America (Walter Camp)
1st Team All-America (Bleacher Report)
1st Team All-America (USA Today)
1st Team All-Big 12 (San Antonio Express-News)
1st Team All-Big 12 (Athlon Sports)
All-Big 12 (1st Team - Unanimous Selection)
AP All-Big 12 (1st Team)
Big 12 Broadcasters All-Conference (1st Team)
College Football Performance Awards National Tight End of the Year
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Finalist (Top Offensive Player in the Nation - Texas Ties)
Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist
John Mackey Award Semifinalist
Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalist
Midseason 1st Team All-America (USA Today)
Midseason 1st Team All-America (CBS Sports)
Midseason 1st Team All-America (Sports Illustrated)
Midseason 1st Team All-America (NFL.com)
Midseason 1st Team All-America (FOX Sports South)
Midseason 1st Team All-America (Athlon Sports)
Midseason 2nd Team All-America (Phil Steele)
Midseason 1st Team All-Big 12 (FOX Sports)
Midseason 1st Team All-Big 12 (Phil Steele)
Midseason 1st Team All-Big 12 (San Antonio Express-News)

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340