Alohi Gilman and Tony Jones both certainly know how to make an exit. Two of the stars of Notre Dame’s 33-9 victory against Iowa State in Saturday’s Camping World Bowl, both Gilman and Jones have announced they will forgo their final seasons of collegiate eligibility to chase NFL dreams.
Neither decision is surprising. Gilman transferred from Navy after his freshman season specifically with NFL aspirations in mind, frustrated by the military rules requiring he serve in the armed forces before pursuing professional football, a rule since reversed. After the NCAA denied him a waiver to play in 2017, Gilman started the last 26 games for the Irish, making 169 tackles, including six against the Cyclones.