STATE COLLEGE— Leaning through a crowd of reporters, Penn State wideout Deon Butler thrust a microphone in the direction of Justin King.

Even Butler, working on a video for a university Web site, wanted to know if the junior cornerback planned to forgo his senior season for the NFL.

King has confirmed he filed paperwork with the NFL advisory committee, which will project where he could be picked in April's NFL Draft if he left college early.

King put the odds at "50-50" when asked during Penn State media day this week if he'd leave early.

"I haven't made up my mind yet," said King, who will graduate this semester, finishing his undergraduate career in three years. "I'm still just enjoying my time here at Penn State."

King would take graduate classes if he returned to Happy Valley in 2008. He said he'll speak with his family and coaches before making a decision sometime after Penn State's Dec. 29 matchup against Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl.

King entered 2007 with a shining reputation as a shutdown cornerback. But opposing defenses tested him more often this season — sometimes with good results. King led the conference with 17 passes defended.

The defense hopes to recover from a disappointing performance against Michigan State in the regular-season finale last month. Penn State gave up 288 yards of total offense to the Spartans in the second half, blowing a 17-point lead in the loss.