Bortles mum after Fiesta Bowl victory on whether he'll enter NFL draft

ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles has taken the Knights to new heights with their Fiesta Bowl victory over Baylor New Year's Day, but many are wondering what's next for the junior.

Bortles now has to decide whether he'll enter the 2014 NFL draft or stick around for another year with the Knights.

The Oviedo product is on the scouting radar after putting up four touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl and being named the game's offensive MVP.

"It's so awesome," said Bortles. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is a dream come true, really. And I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this team and this program and this university and be on this journey with this great group of guys we have in the locker room."

Bortles is considered by many NFL draft experts as one of the top two quarterback prospects in college football.

Following his Fiesta Bowl win, Bortles deflected draft questions, saying he just wanted to celebrate the victory with his team.

Bortles' high school head coach Wes Allen still doesn't have any idea which way Bortles will go.

"I don't know, I really don't," said Allen. "Blake is a big team guy and I know he loves college football. I know that any boy that ever picked up a football, their dream is to play on Sunday, and he's got that opportunity."

ESPN's Todd McShay predicted Thursday that Bortles would be drafted third overall by Jacksonville, which would most likely land him a four-year contract somewhere in the neighborhood of $23 million.

The deadline for Bortles to make a decision to enter the draft is Jan. 15.

WFTV