Jack Conklin Writes Letter to Michigan State Upon Declaring for NFL Draft

Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin will be heading for the 2016 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season. Conklin is an All-American and a three-year starter at MSU.

Upon declaring his decision to leave, he also penned a letter to his coaches, teammates and fans. Text is below:

Spartan Nation,

Having deliberated whether or not to take my football career to the next level, I have made the decision with the support of my family to forgo my final season of eligibility at Michigan State University and declare for the NFL Draft. To say that this was a difficult decision for me would be an understatement, but I'm very excited for what the next chapter has in store for me. I'm truly blessed and grateful to have this unbelievable opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine.

These past four years hold some of the most memorable moments of my life so far with my Spartan family by my side. I'm incredibly proud to have been part of the most successful run in Michigan State football history, and the experiences I've had with my teammates are unforgettable. The bond and commitment formed among one another is something rare and I believe these relationships will lead to continued success.

There are so many people I would like to thank - not only for their unwavering support in regard to my own career, but for their dedication to my teammates as well. My o-line coaches Mark Staten and Jim Bollman - I cannot say enough about the emphasis you have placed on the basics and how it has helped me grow as a player and it will continue to be critical to my development. To Coach Mannie and the strength staff - showing me how to put everything I have into the weight room workouts has given me this opportunity to contribute at the highest level. Sally Nogle, Dave Jager - thank you for keeping me in one piece. Mandy Chandler - I appreciate all the time and energy you have put into my academics and I will utilize your expertise in the future. To all athletic and academic staff, anyone who I inadvertently did not single out, and to the entire Spartan student body and alumni who stood behind me while I worked toward my goal of becoming part of the NFL, thank you for all of your interaction and support.

To Coach D...I cannot adequately express how grateful I am to have been invited to walk-on to the Spartan program, and to have been given the amount of encouragement and belief in my abilities that you gave me from day one. Thank you, coach.

To my teammates...you guys already know how I feel about each one of you. I play this game for the camaraderie, for the battles and for the wins. We've won championships and have played in some incredible games - it indeed was a special time to be a Spartan. I would never trade any of my experiences for a different outcome because of how strong they've made us as a whole. I'm forever thankful to have experienced it beside all of you.

Finally, none of this would be possible without the constant support and love of my family and friends. Words can't do justice to show how I feel about you.

Go Green!

Jack Conklin

Safe to say the feeling is mutual.