UCLA linebacker Myles Jack has withdrawn from school and will declare for the 2016 NFL draft, reports Pete Thamel of SI.com.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