Maryland safety Nick Cross is thrilled to see where the chips fall as he prepares for the 2022 NFL Draft
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (BVM) — Junior safety Nick Cross has played a predominant role on the University of Maryland football team the past three years, earning several accolades throughout his college career. Unfortunately, his time as a Terp has come to an end as he gears up for the 2022 NFL Draft.
In the beginning of the 2021 season, it was announced that Cross was named as a part of the Pro Football Focus preseason second team All-Big Ten list. So it did not come as a huge surprise to fans last month when Cross announced via Twitter that he would be forgoing his senior year and entering the upcoming draft.
Cross had an exceptional season this fall, starting in all 13 games as a safety and earning a total of 66 tackles which was recorded as the second-highest number of tackles on the team this year.
Nick Cross OMG what a HIT 💪
Terps Linebacker Greg Rose with the Scoop and Score pic.twitter.com/zeB9DqSpRC
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) December 29, 2021
However, risking the remaining year of NCAA eligibility is not taken lightly by college athletes who are thinking about declaring for an upcoming draft. Forgoing your last season is a huge decision because it is not guaranteed that you will get drafted, and for many, giving up the last year of college is not a risk that they are not willing to take.
“Basically, I just thought entering the draft was the best decision for me at this time, after a lot of conversations with my parents, coaches, and with God, I thought it was the best way for me to achieve my goals and dreams of playing in the NFL,” Cross said.
Cross described how grateful he is for an opportunity not many athletes get.
“You know I’ve always dreamed of this my entire life so it’s a very humbling experience and a lot of people have aspirations of playing at the next level, but to really have this opportunity right in front of me is surreal and I’m excited to just give it my all and see where the chips fall.”
Two of Cross’ teammates have also declared for the upcoming draft. Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu are the other Terps who have announced their declaration into the 2022 NFL Draft.
Cross explained that although he would be leaving the University of Maryland to chase his lifelong dream at competing at the professional level, that he would miss all of his teammates dearly and plans on staying in close touch with all of his friends and coaches.
“My favorite memory as a Terp has to be just being in the locker room with the boys, you know, just joking around and just having a great time,” Cross said. “When it comes to games, the atmosphere at UMD is just great when the fans are cheering you on and the whole crowd is behind you. Then when you come out victorious, it’s a great feeling.”
Additionally, Cross posted a clip on Instagram Friday evening, announcing his invitation to the NFL scouting combine, where Cross will have another opportunity to showcase his athletic abilities.
Cross offered up one piece of advice to incoming freshmen coming to the University of Maryland to play football.
“Build great relationships with everyone the minute you walk in the building, from the janitors to the trainers, to the coaches, you know it’s very important to build great relationships because that’s your support system and you’re gonna see these people everyday,” Cross said. “Also, beg for coaching, because they will give you the tools you need in order to be the greatest you can be.”
The NFL scouting combine is set to begin on March 1, where Cross along with his other former teammates will set the stage for the upcoming draft.
