*Amani Hooker – Noteworthy
Iowa junior defensive back Amani Hooker says he will enter the NFL draft. Hooker, a first-team All-Big Ten pick and the league’s defensive back of the year, announced Saturday on social media that he’s leaving school early and turning pro. The 6-foot, 210-pound Hooker starred as a hybrid safety/linebacker for the Hawkeyes (9-4) in 2018, picking off three passes while making 65 total tackles. He had six tackles in Tuesday’s 27-22 win over Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl. – AP College Football
*T.J. Hockenson – Noteworthy
Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson is leaving school early for the NFL. The Hawkeyes announced on Monday that Hockenson, a redshirt sophomore, will join teammates Noah Fant, Anthony Nelson and Amani Hooker as early entrees in the draft. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Hockenson won the Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, in 2018. He caught 49 passes for 760 yards and six touchdowns last season, helping the Hawkeyes finish 9-4 and ranked 25th in the final poll of the year. – AP College Football