Kirk Ferentz provides update on NFL draft prospects for Iowa underclassmen
Iowa will lose several key veterans at season’s end.
Desmond King, C.J. Beathard and LeShun Daniels, Jr. will all play their final collegiate game in black and gold when the Hawkeyes take on Florida in the Outback Bowl.
But fortunately for the Hawkeyes, it doesn’t look like they’ll have any key early departures.
Kirk Ferentz addressed the possibility of any underclassmen declaring for the NFL draft. Apparently Josey Jewell was the only one who sought more information:
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz: Josey Jewell is the only Hawkeye underclassmen to seek NFL input on future. "He's on board for one more year.''
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) December 15, 2016
Akrum Wadley was the other Hawkeye who could bolt early. That wouldn’t be a complete surprise after seeing Mel Kiper Jr. rank Wadley as his No. 5 tailback. Piper has only Leonard Fournette, D’Onta Foreman, Dalvin Cook and Christian McCaffrey ahead of Wadley.
But according to Ferentz, Wadley looks like he’s coming back for one more year, too:
On Akrum and the NFL, KF's advice: "Put more weight on." Jewell did check out the NFL. KF said he believes he'll be back.
— Marc Morehouse (@marcmorehouse) December 15, 2016
Ferentz said that Wadley will look to build on his 185-pound frame and make himself into an even better prospect as a senior. Wadley averaged 6.6 yards per carry and racked up double-digit touchdowns as a junior.
If Wadley and Jewell both stay in Iowa City, that would be a big victory for an Iowa team that’ll lose its two most-decorated players.