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WashingtonHuskies

NFL Draft prospect withdraws from 2022 draft due for medical reasons

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•01/31/22
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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: DUPLICATE***Washington Huskies offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland (51)***Washington Huskies linebacker Jordan Lolohea (51) works against California Golden Bears defensive end JH Tevis (47) during a PAC 12 matchup between the Cal Bears and the Washington Huskies on September 25, 2021 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire)

With so many people opting into the NFL draft, it’s surprising when you hear of a player opting out, but that is the case on Monday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, one of the top offensive tackle prospects of the 2022 draft has withdrawn his name. Washington Huskies offensive lineman Jaxson Kirkland is heading back to school for 2022 and is now eyeing 2023 as the year he will make the jump to the next level.

With Kirkland expected it to be one of the top offensive tackles and the 2022 draft, it makes for a puzzling situation as to why he would head back to the college ranks. Schefter gives a clear reason as to why the Huskies offensive lineman is taking this route.

“One of the draft’s projected top OT prospects, @jaxson_kirkland, has opted out of the 2022 Draft after learning an ankle injury he suffered at Washington was more severe than thought, per source. He will undergo surgery Tuesday with Dr. Robert Anderson and expects a full recovery,” wrote Schefter via Twitter.

But in order for Kirkland to play college football next season, he will have to petition the NCAA to regain his college eligibility.

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USC running back Keaontay Ingram impressing NFL draft analyst

ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid likes what he’s seen out of USC running back Keaontay Ingram. After observing Ingram at Shrine Bowl practices, Reid gave the running back some high praise on Twitter.

“(Ingram has) good feet, vision, runs with a plan and is a natural pass catcher,” he wrote.

This past season was the first and only that the running back spent with the Trojans. A Texas native, he committed to play for the Longhorns out of high school in 2018. There, he was one of the main running backs for two seasons before injuries derailed his 2020 season.

Ingram put together the best season of his career with USC, finishing with 911 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He has also recorded at least 20 receptions in three of his four college seasons. In three years with the Longhorns, Ingram compiled 1,811 yards and 11 touchdowns.