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          Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson enters NFL draft

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          Hockenson leaps over defender en route to 37-yard gain (0:38)

          T.J. Hockenson shows off his hops as he hurdles a Northwestern defender en route to a 37-yard gain. (0:38)

          • Mitch Sherman, ESPN Staff WriterJan 14, 2019, 11:55 AM ET
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            • Nebraska/Big Ten/Recruiting reporter.
            • Joined ESPN in 2011.
            • Graduated from the University of Nebraska.
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          T.J. Hockenson of Iowa, the Mackey Award winner as the nation's top tight end in 2018, declared his intention on Monday to enter the NFL draft.

          He caught 49 passes for a team-best 760 yards and six touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore.

          ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rates Hockenson as the fifth-best tight end available. No. 1 is former Iowa teammate Noah Fant, a junior who declared for the draft before the Hawkeyes' victory in the Outback Bowl over Mississippi State.

          Iowa is also losing early entrants Anthony Nelson, a defensive end, and defensive back Amani Hooker.

          Hockenson said in a statement released Monday, the declaration deadline, that "now is the right time" to move on from college.

          At least one player from Iowa has been selected in the NFL draft every year since 1978.

          "We recognize this is an important decision," coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement, "and we wish them the very best as they pursue the draft."