Nobody would have blamed Riley Moss if he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft after last season. The senior was named the B1G Defensive Back of the Year and helped lead Iowa to a B1G West title.

Moss decided to return to Iowa for a fifth season, though, taking advantage of the COVID-19 waiver the NCAA granted for the pandemic-affected 2020 campaign. It was a huge boost for the Hawkeyes, who were losing plenty of talent to the next level.

When asked about his decision to return, Moss said his experience playing at Iowa is something he wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

“I figured when I’m dead in the grave, I’m not bring the money with me, I’m bringing the memories,” Moss said.

The senior defensive back is aware of the risks involved with a return to college. An injury could seriously impact his stock for the 2023 NFL Draft. The reward of playing for the Hawkeyes was worth the risk.

“There’s always risk in everything you do,” Moss said. “I could get in a car crash and die. Life’s all about risks.”

Moss ended the 2021 season with 39 tackles, 5 pass break-ups, 4 interceptions and a pair of pick-sixes. He’ll be one of the top returning players in the B1G for the 2022 season.