Hawkeyes’ Geno Stone declares for NFL Draft
By Emily Bell
Iowa safety Geno Stone on Monday became the first — but surely not the last — Hawkeyes football player to declare early for the 2020 NFL Draft.
“After serious discussion with my family, confidantes and coaches (and a lot of prayers), I have decided to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft!” Stone said in a post to Twitter, along with a “Thank you Hawkeye Nation!”
Here is his full announcement:
Thank you Hawkeye Nation ! 💛🖤
— Geno Stone (@GenoStone22) January 6, 2020
Immediately after Iowa’s 49-24 Holiday Bowl win over USC, Stone said the decision was an “emotional” one, but the more he talked about it, the more his intentions seemed clearer — or at least which way he was leaning.
Geno Stone says he gets emotional when people ask him about leaving early for the NFL. "It's been a great ride, but I've gotta see what I can do that's best for me." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeHQ.com's Ryan Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 28, 2019
Stone recorded 70 tackles — 46 solo — and one interception this season after recording 39 (29 solo) last year with 4 INTs last year, including one for a touchdown.
Geno Stone's pick-six was a huge play in what almost became a legendary sequence of events in the #Hawkeyes loss to #PennState. The PA native's emergence in Iowa's nickel package the past few weeks shouldn't be overlooked.
— Adam Rossow (@AdamJRossow) October 29, 2018
My view of Geno Stone's 24-yard interception return for a touchdown that pulled the #Hawkeyes to within 27-24 w/ 10 to play. "When I cut it back around, I saw I had more room & that's when I knew I could take it for 6." @AdamJRossow has more at @HawkeyeHQ:
— HawkeyeHQ.com's Ryan Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 29, 2018
Stone was named to the All-Big Ten second team by conference coaches.
Coaches honor #Hawkeyes A.J. Epenesa (1st), Geno Stone (2nd) and Michael Ojemudia (3rd) as All-Big Ten.
— HawkeyeHQ.com's Ryan Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 3, 2019
A.J. Epenesa first team All-Big Ten for #Hawkeyes
— Hawkeye Headquarters (@HawkeyeHQ) December 3, 2019
