Michigan State All-American OL Jack Conklin declares for draft

In just four years, Michigan State offensive lineman Jack Conklin could go from walk-on to first-round NFL draft selection.

The All-American redshirt junior left tackle announced Wednesday that he will forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the 2016 NFL draft. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Conklin arrived at MSU as a walk-on and quickly developed into an All-Big Ten player, starting for the Spartans for the past three seasons.

“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. I’ve loved it. Coach Dantonio was great – he gave me a chance to play Division I football when no one else believed in me. For him to give me that chance and to now be in this position is unbelievable. It’s a blessing to have been able to work with Coach D, Coach Staten and Coach Bollman. They really helped mentor me, especially in the ways of becoming a great offensive lineman. I’ll take everything that they’ve taught me and use it at the next level to help me become even a better player.”

Conklin, who started 38 games in his career (35 at left tackle, three at right tackle), is projected by many NFL draft analysts to be a first round pick.

“Jack Conklin is a gifted athlete, who embodies all of the qualities of the ideal left tackle,” Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said. “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.”

Elsewhere, Florida safety Keanu Neal and NC State tight end David Grinnage also announced Wednesday that they will forgo their remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.

Despite missing two games, the 6-foot-1, 216-pound Neal finished third on the Gators with 96 tackles.

“This was honestly the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Neal wrote in an Instagram post. “It’s time to take the next step in my life and attain my dream.”

Neal is the fifth Florida junior to declare for the draft, joining cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, running back Kelvin Taylor, receiver Demarcus Robinson and defensive end Alex McCalister.

Grinnage, a redshirt junior, had 25 catches for 290 yards and three touchdowns this season.

"I would like to thank Coach Doeren, Coach Faulkner and the NC State staff for their support throughout my career," said Grinnage. "It will be tough to leave my Wolfpack teammates but I feel that this is the right decision for me and my family at this time."

In his three seasons, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Grinnage totaled 67 receptions for 798 yards and nine touchdowns.

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