UCLA Linebacker Myles Jack Withdraws from School to Focus on 2016 NFL Draft

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A surprising announcement came out of Westwood on Tuesday when UCLA junior linebacker Myles Jack decided to quit school to focus on entering the 2016 NFL Draft. The move to declare for the NFL Draft might have been inevitable but Jack is just two weeks removed from a season-ending knee injury which will make him a cautionary pick for all NFL teams.

Jack’s ability to influence a game has never been in question. Since his freshman year in 2013, he has been a playmaker starting at outside linebacker while picking up carries on short yardage and goal line situations. As a freshman he provided a needed spark for the Bruins compiling 267 yards on the ground off 38 carries with seven scores.

The 6’1”, 245 pound, athlete was second on the Bruins squad in 2014 with 88 tackles and added 8.0 tackles for a loss, seven pass breakups, eight passes defended, two quarterback hurries, and one interception. He also returned one kick, had one pass reception, and carried the ball 28 times for 113 yards finding the end zone three times.

Jack’s 2015 season was cut short after just three games, but moving from the outside to the inside linebacker position he had 15 stops, two passes defended, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a critical interception secured against BYU.

Bruins’ head coach Jim Mora Jr. did not favor Jack’s decision to quit school to focus on rehabilitation and preparing for the NFL Draft. Mora spoke openly about his thoughts on Jacks’ decision stating, “He’s taking his chips and shoving them into the middle and we hope he draws a good hand.”

Mora also added, “My personal opinion is, he’s a tremendous football player and a tremendous athlete. I think it’s risky to do this. Having been on that side (NFL draft rooms), there’s going to be a lot of speculation as to what he is and where he fits.”

Jack’s injury was initially reported on Sept. 23. The setback took place during a UCLA practice with Mora describing the injury as “significant.” Later reports gave a little more detail that Jack had suffered a torn anterior meniscus that would keep him out of action 4-6 months.

The 2015 NFL combine was held February 17-23. The timeline for Jack’s recovery at four months would put him healed and ready to start working out in late January. If dealt any setbacks he could potentially miss the combine and subsequent Pro Days making his decision to withdraw from school very risky.

Photo credit: insidesocal.com; No. 30 Myles Jack.