James Daniels, Iowa’s starting center for the past two seasons, announced Jan. 5 via Instagram that he would forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft.
Daniels, a 6-4, 295-pound lineman, proved to be a key force in Iowa’s traditionally strong rushing attack over the past two seasons, and NFL scouts took note.
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay ranked Daniels as the No. 2 center and the 35th-best prospect overall on his big board, while ESPN colleague Mel Kiper listed the junior as the third-best center.
Daniels’ departure leaves Iowa with question marks heading into the offseason; his name adds to the list of linemen not returning to the Hawkeye program. Sean Welsh, Boone Meyers, and Ike Boettger graduated, and 2017 was their final season with Iowa.
Daniels said in his Instagram post that he has only a few classes left to finish his degree.