UA tight end Rob Gronkowski announced today he he has signed with an agent and will go into the NFL Draft rather than return to Arizona next year.

With his brother, Chris, and his father, Gordon, sitting on either side of him, Gronkowski held a press conference in McKale Center Friday morning to reveal his decision. Today is the final day for draft-eligible underclassmen to declare for the draft, which is April 22-24.

He has signed with NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Gronkowski, a 6-foot-6, 265-pounder from Amherst, N.Y., sat out his entire junior season because of a herniated disk in his back, which put his future in question.

In just two seasons, he became the most accomplished tight end the Wildcats have seen. In just 22 games, Gronkowski hauled in 75 catches, 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns — all school records for a tight end.

“”The hardest part about leaving is leaving the U of A family here at Arizona,”” Gronkowski said. “”My teammates are unbelievable. I had a great relationship with many players. I’m going to miss them all.

“”I’m going to be in touch with them all,”” he added. “”I really wish I could have done more for the team. It was really frustrating sitting on the sidelines with an injury. It wasn’t what I expected.””

The No. 2 overall tight end — according to ESPN Scouts Inc. — Todd McShay, was cleared by Los Angeles doctors on Thursday afternoon, according to GOAZCATS.com, giving Gronkowski enough time to train for the NFL Combine in February.