As expected, Kansas University football standout Aqib Talib plans to skip his senior season and enter his name into the NFL Draft, according to his father, Theodore Henry.

“God has blessed him and not let him get injured,” Henry said. “It’s time.”

Talib long was considered to be on his way out if he had a healthy, productive junior season. He did, playing all 13 games and registering 66 tackles and five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.

Henry said Talib considered going pro after the 2006 season, but figured he’d be better served staying one more year.

Talib now has been at KU for four seasons, including a red-shirt year in 2004.

“It’s probably best for him,” Henry said of going pro. “It’s probably better to go on to the NFL rather than get hurt.”

Another early-entry candidate, offensive lineman Anthony Collins, is expected to make his intentions known later today.