All-American ISU Corner Opts Out of the Liberty Bowl

Bowl games are great for college programs looking to end the year with a big win. But for some players with NFL futures, a bowl game means a risk. Do they risk playing and getting injured and hurting their chances at millions of dollars? An Iowa State All-American has chosen to sit out the Cyclone's bowl game this week due to that very reason.

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa State's All-American corner T.J. Tampa has played his last snap as a Cyclone. Tampa will sit out Iowa State's Liberty Bowl game versus Memphis on Friday. ISU head coach Matt Campbell confirmed the news after team practice on Wednesday.

Tampa was a semifinalist for both the Thorpe and Bednarki Awards this season. The Register reports that he ends his Iowa State career with 24 consecutive starts, the second-longest streak on the team. He started 29 games for Iowa State. Head Coach Matt Campbell told the Register that Tampa's decision was all about what was best for his future.

The higher you are to being a high-end draft pick – you’ve really got to make a smart decision on what’s best for you and your future.

Next up for Tampa, according to the Register, will be the Senior Bowl and then preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. Numerous mock drafts have Tampa being selected in the second round, if not sooner.