Iowa City, Iowa – As expected, Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson is foregoing his senior season at Iowa and entering the 2018 NFL Draft. He announced his decision on his personal Instagram this morning.
“Growing up, it has always been my dream to play in the National Football League,” Jackson said in his post. “I am excited for the next step and humbled by this great opportunity. I will always bleed Black and Gold.”
The junior defensive back led the nation in interceptions with eight, the final of which came in the Pinstripe Bowl victory last week. In addition he recorded 48 tackles this past season.
Jackson didn’t play a full-time role in the defense until this year. In 2016, he appeared in eight games but didn’t have a noticeable impact until the Outback Bowl against Florida. He has been a team member for four years total.
Despite the early exit, Jackson expects to graduate in the spring.
Earlier today, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso projected Jackson as the No. 19 pick to his near hometown team the Dallas Cowboys. Jackson grew up just north of Dallas in Lake Dallas, Texas. Other mock drafts have listed him as high as No. 12.
Jackson’s decision comes two years after star defensive back Desmond King, who was receiving first round projections, elected to return for his senior season. King ultimately was drafted in the fifth round by the Los Angeles Chargers.
One thing is certain… Hawkeye fans will never forget this interception against OSU!
No. 1 play on t.co/BLIUNFkVHc's top 10 plays of the 2017 ???? season: @HawkeyeFootball's Josh Jackson, naturally. #CountdownTo2018 pic.twitter.com/jCwz…
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 1, 2018
