Northwestern All-B1G CB opts out of Citrus Bowl, declares for NFL Draft

Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome is headed to the NFL draft.

He made that announcement on Twitter:

God’s timing is always right🙏🏽 #2021NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/FA5nXSC8C6

— GNewsss (@__gnewsss) December 21, 2020

Newsome wouldn’t have played in the Citrus Bowl regardless due to an injury he suffered in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Newsome and freshman safety Brandon Joseph were two of the main reasons for Northwestern’s success this season. While Newsome was a lockdown corner, Joseph was a ballhawk who led the Big Ten with six interceptions.

According to Yahoo!’s Pete Thamel, Newsome is the first true “three and done” of the Pat Fitzgerald era at Northwestern.

According to intrepid Northwestern SID Paul Kennedy, Newsome is the first pure three-and-done of Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure. They’ve had early entires who redshirted and Rashawn Slater was a three-and-opt out. Recruiting and evaluating is on the uptick in Evanston. https://t.co/ex2hJOCT3V

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 21, 2020

While he wasn’t targeted often, this season Newsome totaled 12 tackles, one interception and nine pass breakups. His nine pass breakups were tied for the Big Ten lead alongside Michigan’s Gemon Green.

This will be an interesting offseason for Northwestern. The Wildcats have already lost their defensive coordinator to retirement and their athletic director the ACC. Fitzgerald is also rumored to be targeted for NFL jobs this offseason.

Northwestern is set to face Auburn in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day.