Blacksburg, Va. ? Marcus Vick decided to turn pro Saturday, one day after he was kicked off the team at Virginia Tech for transgressions on and off the field.

“I have decided to enter the NFL Draft,” the junior quarterback said in a three-paragraph statement released through his lawyers. “I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to proving my athletic ability at the professional level. I believe I am ready for this challenge and the next chapter of my life.”

Vick said he appreciated all the consideration and trust that Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer had placed in him during his stay at Virginia Tech and said “I deeply regret that I allowed my competitive emotions to take control” in the Gator Bowl.”

Virginia Tech cited the cumulative effects of Vick’s legal problems and his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Jan. 2 bowl in dismissing him from the team Friday.

During the game, he was caught on tape stomping on the left calf of Louisville All-America defensive end Elvis Dumervil after a tackle. Vick claimed it was an accident, but school officials said Saturday they thought it looked intentional.

“We have received hundreds of letters from fans and alumni who are disturbed by what they saw,” university president Charles Steger said at a Saturday news conference.