Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) intercepts a pass intended for Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Christian Jones (14) during the first quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Thorpe Award winner Desmond King decided to forgo the 2016 NFL Draft despite being projected as a first-round pick and return for his senior season at Iowa next fall.
The junior cornerback was ranked No. 4 at his position and the No. 28 prospect overall by NFLDraftScout.com. Senior analysts Rob Rang and Dane Brugler had slotted King as going No. 24 in the first round of this year’s draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
King was a consensus All-American this season and first-team All-Big Ten in addition to winning the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive back. He tied an Iowa record with eight interceptions in 2015.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was informed of King’s decision on Monday.
“Everybody’s surprised,” King’s mother, Yvette Powell, told The Daily Iowan. “It’s not about the money all the time. The money is going to be there. He has more chance to make more with a degree.”
Powell added that Iowa’s losses in the Big Ten Championship Game and the Rose Bowl after an undefeated regular season contributed to her son’s decision to return. King also apparently has a strong bond with his teammates, particularly quarterback C.J. Beathard.
“He didn’t want to leave C.J. like that,” Powell said. “We talked to C.J. and he was happy. I told him it’s time for you guys to lead your team and to see them on graduation day. That’s a beautiful thing. They want to stick together, that’s what it’s all about.”
