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Iowa TE duo to examine NFL options following 2018
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Noah Fant and TJ Hockenson have been two of Iowa’s biggest weapons this season, and the NFL Draft stock of each is likely on the rise.
The talented duo has proven to be versatile on the offensive side of the ball while making huge plays in the passing game. Hockenson leads the Hawkeyes with 41 catches this season while Fant ranks third with 38. They also rank first and second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
When it comes to tight ends, you will not find any better, and both players currently have eligibility beyond 2018. Hockenson is a redshirt sophomore while Fant is a junior. Still, the NFL may be calling, and both players recently indicated they would examine their options following the end of the season.
Rob Howe with Hawkeye Nation shared Hockenson’s comments when asked about leaving early for the NFL:
“It’s definitely an option,” he said of the NFL. “Obviously I wouldn’t have an answer until the season is done. KF (Kirk Ferentz) and Brian (Ferentz), I still need to talk to them about everything. But I think that’s for the end of the season.”
Fant did admit that a number of people are expecting him to jump to the NFL after 2018. However, he will still wait to hear back on what his value would be from the NFL:
“We’ll see what happens,” Fant said. “A lot of people are expecting me to leave and it all kind of depends on what’s given back to me (from the NFL Draft advisory board).”
Hawkeye fans wouldn’t mind having both players back for 2019, but it certainly appears Fant and Hockenson are destined for success in the NFL. Fans will just have to wait and see when they decide to leave for the draft.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.