UCLA LB Myles Jack has withdrawn from school, will enter 2016 NFL draft
UCLA linebacker Myles Jack has withdrawn from school and will declare for the 2016 NFL draft, reports Pete Thamel of SI.com.
The news comes two weeks after the junior suffered a torn meniscus in practice, bringing his season to an end.
“I think it's very risky to do this. There's a lot of speculation to ... where he fits,” UCLA coach Jim Mora said. “I've been in 25 draft rooms. I've never seen a guy taken off (three games of junior tape).
“Myles's talent is without question. I hope he's put enough out there where they can get a true evaluation.”
Jack has been the anchor of the Bruins’ defense since joining the program as a highly-touted recruit in 2013. He had played in 29 consecutive games for UCLA before the injury, tallying 117 solo tackles and four interceptions.
Jack has also been a weapon on offense, playing running back in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He has scored 11 touchdowns on 68 carries during his college career.
After a breakout freshman season, Jack became the first player in conference history to earn defensive and offensive freshman of the year honors. He has been named second-team All-Pac-12 each of the last two seasons.
Last year, Jack and his family took out an insurance policy. According to Ryan Kartje of the OC Register, Jack would be paid $5 million if he is not taken in the first round of the draft.
NFL scouts will have to wait and see if Jack, who had widely been seen as a potential first-round pick, can fully recover from the injury. The middle linebacker was ranked seventh in SI.com’s preseason NFL draft Big Board.
- Alex Nieves
