Iowa Safety Geno Stone Declares For The NFL Draft

Three years ago, Geno Stone had to be convinced to leave his native Pennslyvania and play football at the University of Iowa. Now, he's betting on himself and taking his talents to the NFL.

Stone made his announcement yesterday via Twitter and thanked Hawkeye Nation.

Stone had been contemplating his move to the NFL for the past month or so. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection by coaches. He recorded 70 tackles, forced three fumbles and had five pass breakups for the 10-3 Hawkeyes.

Stone is a fearless tackler and a ballhawk, but the NFL will have some questions about his size, at 5'10". His close friend Amani Hooker left Iowa after three years at safety and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

At least two other Hawkeyes are also considering a move to the NFL. Defensive end A.J Epenesa and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs are both listed possible first-round draft picks in several mock drafts. They have until January 20th to make their decision final.

[via Hawk Central]