Iowa’s star TE will leave school early
Iowa’s reDE S MOINES, IOWA cruiting pitch will be bolstered by the fact that four of its players decided to leave early after receiving encouraging draft grades from the NFL.
It might also make next season tougher than ever.
The Hawkeyes announced on Monday that T.J. Hockenson, a redshirt sophomore, will join fellow tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Anthony Nelson and defensive back Amani Hooker as early entrees in the draft.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Hockenson won the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, in 2018. He caught 49 passes for 760 yards and six touchdowns last season, helping the Hawkeyes finish 9-4 and ranked 25th in the final poll of the year.
“Amani, Anthony and T.J. have been outstanding members of our team on the field and as leaders within the program,” coach Kirk Ferentz. “While we are disappointed to see them leave, we recognize this is an important decision and we wish them the very best as they pursue the draft.”
Replacing Hockenson and Fant might be Iowa’s biggest challenge this offseason. Fant caught 39 passes for 518 yards and seven TDs, and his presence helped free up Hockenson to make plays.
“My dream has always been to play in the NFL, and I believe now is the right time,” Hockenson said in an Instagram post announcing his departure.
LSU star White to enter draft.
ROUGE , LA . » LSU AllAmerican and Butkus Awardwinning linebacker Devin White will enter the 2019 NFL draft and forgo his remaining season of eligibility to play for the Tigers.
White is the third player from the 2018 Tigers to leave school early to turn pro, joining defensive back Greedy Williams and interior defensive lineman Ed Alexander.
White led LSU this season with 123 solo or assisted tackles, including 12 tackles for losses and three sacks. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two, and broke up six passes.
“Holy War” to go through 2024.
SALT LAKE CIT Y
»Utah and BYU announced they are extending their home-and-home football series another two years through 2024.
The new agreement adds a game in Provo on Sept. 16, 2023, and a game in Salt Lake City on Sept. 7, 2024.
The teams were already contracted to play through Sept. 3, 2022.
The in-state rivals open the 2019 season facing one another in Provo.
Tide LB Wilson going pro.
Alabama TU S CALOO SA , middle linebacker Mack Wilson is entering the NFL draft.
Wilson becomes the seventh Crimson Tide player and fourth defender to declare for the draft since losing to Clemson in the national title game.
Wilson made 71 tackles with five for a loss and had two interceptions last season.
Also turning pro for the Tide: safety Deionte Thompson, cornerback Saivion Smith, left tackle Jonah Williams, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, tight end Irv Smith Jr. and tailback Josh Jacobs.