Josh Uche to declare for NFL Draft, will play in Michigan’s bowl game

Michigan linebacker Josh Uche’s days as a Wolverine are coming to an end. Per Uche, he will be declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft, but will be playing in Michigan’s bowl game.

“Me and my family have made the decision to forego my final season of eligibility and enter my name in the 2020 NFL Draft,” Uche said in his statement. “I am still working hard with my teammates to win our 10th game of the season in the Bowl Game and I am excited to represent Michigan on the field one last time.”

Uche has amassed 16.5 sacks in his Michigan career, as well as 55 total tackles (20.5 for loss), and 4 forced fumbles. Uche’s blend of size (6-foot-2, 250 pounds), strength, and speed should see him rise up draft boards throughout the pre-draft process. Uche has received an invitation to the Senior Bowl in January and it’s highly likely he will be at the NFL Scouting Combine as well.

Last year the likes of Rashan Gary, Karan Higdon, and Devin Bush all sat out Michigan’s Peach Bowl game versus Florida, maybe Uche’s intention of playing in the bowl will create the opposite kind of ripple effect this season. Uche isn’t the only player that could be turning pro, we could be hearing similar announcements from wideouts Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black.