Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans tackle Jack Conklin (74) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State All-American offensive tackle Jack Conklin announced Wednesday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
Conklin, who started 38 of 39 career games, helped the Spartans to a combined record of 36-5, including back-to-back bowl victories over Stanford in the 2014 Rose Bowl and Baylor in the 2015 Cotton Bowl as well as an appearance in the 2015 College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama on Dec. 31.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the 2016 draft is Jan. 18. The 2016 NFL Draft will be conducted April 28-30 in Chicago.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Conklin earned All-American honors from Sporting News (first team), USA TODAY (first team), Associated Press (second team), FWAA (second team), Walter Camp Football Foundation (second team), Phil Steele (third team) and SI.com (honorable mention).
“Jack Conklin is a gifted athlete, who embodies all of the qualities of the ideal left tackle,” Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. “He’s an intelligent player, who runs extremely well for his size. Jack was an impact player in our starting lineup for the last three years, and his toughness permeated the entire offensive line.
“The pre-draft numbers project Jack as a probable first-round selection, and there’s no doubt that he’ll be an outstanding tackle at the next level. He’s well prepared to transition into the next chapter of his life, and we wish him nothing but the best as he chases his dream of playing in the NFL. He’s not only been a major contributor over the last three seasons, but he’s also been a tremendous ambassador for our football program.”
Conklin is listed as the No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 24 overall prospect for 2016 by NFLDraftScout.com and a projected first-round pick. The last Michigan State offensive lineman drafted in the first round was Tony Mandarich in 1989 when he was selected second overall by the Green Bay Packers.
“The decision to forgo my final year was a very difficult decision,” Conklin said. “I took time to talk to my family and the coaches to find out what the best decision would be for me. Ultimately, my family and I felt it was time to take the next step and start training for the NFL. I’m excited about it. I’m going to really miss being at Michigan State and everything about this place.”
