2018 NFL draft early entrants - Jan. 3 (Updating)
The Jan. 15 deadline for underclassmen to decide if they want to return to college or declare for the 2018 NFL draft is fast approaching. With bowl season in the rear-view mirror and only the College Football Playoff title game remaining for the 2017 season, decisions from prominent players will be coming out left and right in the coming days.
This year, we’ll have a post (in addition to some individual posts about certain players) every day (leading up to the deadline) — updated throughout the day — with the players who decide to pursue professional football.
Previously: Jan. 2
Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn
The 6-foot, 235-pound Pettway was a first-team All-SEC selection for Auburn in 2016 when he rushed for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns. Pettway had 305 yards and six touchdowns in five games this season while dealing with injuries. He was later sidelined for the season after suffering a fractured shoulder blade against Arkansas on Oct. 2.
A post shared by Kam Pettway (@_bigsavage) on Jan 3, 2018 at 1:06pm PST
Rashaan Gaulden, DB, Tennessee
The versatile Gaulden had 65 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, an interception and three forced fumbles for Tennessee as a redshirt junior, playing primarily at nickel cornerback. For his career, Gaulden totaled 137 tackles.
— Rashaan Gaulden (@Gmoney_7era) January 3, 2018
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Jackson came out of nowhere to become an All-American for Iowa in 2017. He entered the season with one career start and ended it as a consensus All-American and Jim Thorpe Award finalist. Jackson’s three-interception performance in Iowa’s upset over Ohio State earned him national acclaim, and he followed it up with two more picks, both returned for touchdowns, against Wisconsin. He finished the year with eight interceptions in all, the most in the country.
— joshua r. jackson (@IM_TEXAS_TRILL) January 3, 2018
Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
After three years as Florida State’s top tight end, redshirt junior Ryan Izzo is moving on to the NFL. He finished his collegiate career with 54 catches for 761 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 15.9 yards per reception this season.
“I have decided to forgo my senior season and chase my dream of playing in the @NFL.” – @IzzoRyan https://t.co/qdUi1lwAGK
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 3, 2018
Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Carlton Davis was a three-year starter for the Tigers and had 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble this year, earning first-team All-SEC honors. For his career, Davis had 136 tackles and four interceptions. He is the second Auburn player to declare, joining running back Kerryon Johnson.
— C-Murda ™ (@Carlton_Lowkey) January 3, 2018
JoJo Wicker, DL, Arizona State
Wicker, a 6-foot-3, 273-pound defensive lineman, was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection this season. He finished the year with 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks, bringing his career total to 102 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
— JOJO Wicker (@JojoWicker) January 3, 2018
Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
The 6-foot-6, 242-pound Schultz is hoping to become the next Stanford tight end to succeed at the next level. Schultz caught 55 passes for 555 yards and five touchdowns during his Stanford career.
I will forgo my final season of eligibility at Stanford and will be pursuing my childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my experience at Stanford. It’s been one hell of a ride on The Farm.
— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) January 2, 2018
Kolton Miller, OL, UCLA
Miller, a 6-foot-8, 310-pound left tackle, bounced back from a 2016 foot injury to start every game this season for UCLA as one of the key cogs on an offensive line that protected quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen, if he declares, is projected by some as a potential No. 1 pick. Miller could join Rosen as a first-round pick.
Adding another @UCLAFootball standout to our #NFLDraft class, proud to welcome Kolton Miller to the #OctagonFamily !! pic.twitter.com/pb1JexjntQ
— Octagon Football (@OctagonFootball) January 2, 2018
Korey Robertson, WR, Southern Miss
Robertson’s junior season put him in the Southern Miss record books. His 76 receptions is the second-most for a season in program history. Those 76 catches included 12 touchdowns and went for 1,106 yards. In three years, he totaled 127 catches for 1,743 yards and 18 touchdowns.
– – – – – – –
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!