Per a Tweet by Liz Mullen, Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin has signed with Vanguard Sports Group for his representation in the 2016 NFL Draft. He will be represented by NFL agents Sean Howard and Joby Branion.
The 6’6″, 325-pound redshirt junior played in 39 games after walking onto the football team at Michigan State. He arrived on campus in East Lansing, MI after not being highly recruited by big time football programs. The three-year starter is highly touted and projected as a first-round pick by many football analysts. ESPN’s Todd McShay projects him going 13th overall (to the Philadelphia Eagles) in his most recent mock draft, while Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the number three offensive tackle on the board. NFL Draft Scout projects him as the 24th overall prospect and a a first round pick.
If all goes as planned, and the analysts are accurate in their projections, Conklin would be the first Spartan offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round since Tony Mandarich, who went second overall, in the 1989 draft.
Vanguard Sports Group was founded by veteran player agent, Joby Branion, and is based on the principle that “agents have deep obligations to fulfill to their clients – to support, to guide, to counsel, and ultimately, to empower each individual throughout every phase of their careers.” Conklin joins a client list that includes Keenan Allen (Chargers), Whitney Mercilus (Texans), JR Sweezy (Seahawks) and Von Miller (Broncos) among others at Vanguard. The company has three offices in Chapel Hill, New York and is headquartered in Los Angeles.
Conklin’s progression from walk-on to All-American left tackle to NFL draftee definitely makes for a great story. He wrote an open letter to his teammates, coaches and Spartan faithful which can be found here.