IOWA CITY, Iowa –– Three additional University of Iowa football players have declared for the NFL Draft, forfeiting their remaining college eligibility. Juniors Amani Hooker and Anthony Nelson, and sophomore T.J. Hockenson announced their intentions recently following Iowa’s Outback Bowl victory. Junior tight end Noah Fant declared in December.
“Amani, Anthony and T.J. have been outstanding members of our team on the field and as leaders within the program,” said head football coach Kirk Ferentz. “While we are disappointed to see them leave, we recognize this is an important decision and we wish them the very best as they pursue the draft.”
The Iowa football program under Ferentz has sent 170 players to the NFL, including 66 draft picks and 104 free agents. At least one Hawkeye has been selected in the NFL Draft every year since 1978. In the past 11 seasons, 40 Hawkeyes have been taken in the NFL Draft, including four first round selections.
Hockenson and Fant are both tight ends, Hooker is a defensive back and Nelson a defensive end. Nelson has played three seasons after redshirting in 2015. Hooker played as a true freshman. Hockenson redshirted in 2016 before seeing action the past two seasons.
Iowa finished the 2018 season 9-4 overall and 25th in the final Associated Press rankings following a 27-22 win over No. 18 Mississippi State at the 2019 Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes have posted a 37-16 mark over the past four seasons.
