1/3/2018 football Edit

Josh Jackson leaving for NFL Draft

Josh Jackson is leaving Iowa a year early and entering the 2018 NFL Draft.

Blair Sanderson • Go Iowa Awesome

Editor

After earning consensus first team All-American honors his junior year, Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson is headed to the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound Jackson, a Thorpe Award finalist this past season, announced his decision on social media this morning.

"I want to first thank God for all the blessings in my life," Jackson said in a statement. "Because without him, none of this is possible."

"To the Hawkeye Nation - I have been blessed with the opportunity to play at the University of Iowa in front of the best fans in the world. Coming to Iowa City was the best decision of my life. To the academic, training, strength and coaching staffs who have been behind me every step of the way - thank you for pushing me everyday to be the best student-athlete I could be."

"After discussing with my coaches, family, and a lot of prayer, I have decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft."

"I cannot thank Coach Parker, Coach Ferentz & Coach Doyle enough for the opportunity to wear the Black and Gold, and all of their support in growing me into the man, and Hawkeye, I am today. To all of the loyal fans, thank you for being there for me and this team through every up and down, and for your unwavering support. And to all of my Hawkeye teammates, the memories we've made on and off the field will last forever. We will always be brothers."

"Growing up, it has always been my dream to play in the National Football League. I am excited for the next step and humbled by this great opportunity. I will always bleed Black and Gold. Thank you Hawkeye Nation!"

This past season, Jackson tied a school record with eight interceptions, which led the country, and also finished with 48 tackles and 18 pass breakups for the Hawkeyes. His long list of post-season honors included being named defensive back of the year in the Big Ten and a first team All-American by every major publication.

Iowa junior offensive lineman James Daniels, who is also considering leaving early, is expected to announce his decision later this week.