How Many More Hawkeyes Could Bolt For The NFL?

Noah Fant's departure from the Iowa football team and into the NFL didn't come as a major shock to most Iowa fans. Sure, most wish Fant would finish his Iowa career at the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day. But Fant is ranked the number one tight end prospect in college football. He's protecting his future. But the truth is, Fant may not be the only Hawkeye to leave for NFL riches after the season.

Take the other Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. The red-shirt sophomore leads the Hawkeyes in receptions and will find out later this week if he is the winner of the John Mackey Award given annually to the top tight end in college football. If he wins, he'll have a decision to make too. Strike while the iron is hot? Or come back for another year at Iowa. Hockenson has decided that he will be playing in Iowa's bowl game.

Several other Iowa players are also looking ahead to their potential NFL futures. Hockenson, along with Nate Stanley, Amani Hooker, and Anthony Nelson have all asked for feedback from the NFL's College Advisory Committee. They give underclassman a draft grade of 1st round, 2nd round, or stay in school. How many Hawkeyes will receive NFL grades? The committee hands them out in late December.