Bulaga goes all out NFL

MIAMI -- You wondered how Bryan Bulaga would play. Everytime he showed up for interviews this week, you could tell it was eating at him.

His decision to jump to the NFL was either on the tip of his tongue and stayed there only because he decided not to be a distraction, or it was still something he was giving serious and deep thought.

It was probably a little of both. Either way, it ended Wednesday with Bulaga, a 6-6, 312-pound offensive tackle, announcing that he will enter April's NFL draft.

"After much deliberation and careful consideration, I have decided to forego my fourth year of college eligibility and enter the upcoming NFL draft, " Bulaga said in a release. "This was not an easy decision since my Iowa experience has been very positive and rewarding."

 It was a past-tense week for Bulaga and his family.

After the Hawkeyes' 24-14 victory over Georgia Tech in Tuesday night's Orange Bowl, Bulaga talked about chasing a dream in the next level.

“The thing is it's not all about the money,” Bulaga said. “I don't think a lot of people realize that. It's about the love of the game. Every guy in here dreams about the next level and going to the NFL. When an opportunity knocks on the door, some guys are ready to take it and some want to stay an extra year.

“That's where I'm at right now. It's more than just the money. It's your career, it's your dreams, it's everything. There's a lot more that goes into it than just making some money. There's more to it than just that.”

The Crystal Lake, Ill., native was the Big Ten 2009 offensive lineman of the year and a first team all-Big Ten selection. He also made a few all-American teams.

“Bryan has been a valued team member, well beyond his outstanding play on the field," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. "I'm very appreciative of his efforts on the team's behalf. I am confident Bryan will do very well in the years to come and again be a valuable asset to his future team. We wish him the best and continued success.”

During the week, Bulaga mentioned trials and tribulations of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, who won the 2008 Heisman and then suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener. He likely lost a few million with the injury.

Bulaga's family looked into the NCAA insurance for football players with first-round potential. It runs about $10,000 per $1 million.

Also this year, Bulaga faced his own humanity. He suffered thyroid condition that, early on, had him nervous about his future in the game.

"The illness I was faced with at the beginning of the 2009 season made me realize how important football is in my life and how quickly it can be taken away," Bulaga said. "I want to thank Coach Ferentz, Coach (Reese) Morgan and the rest of the Iowa football staff who played a significant role in my development.

"I will always be a Hawkeye and will carry that with me proudly wherever my future takes me. Thanks to everyone for the support you've always given me.”

Bulaga doesn't turn 21 until March 5. That's incredibly young for a lineman. He believes he can still develop.

"I'm a little bit younger. I was thrown into the pit early," Bulaga said. "I think I'm only going to get better every year. Being a younger guy helps. I have room to grow."

This is the second straight season has lost a player early for the NFL draft. Running back Shonn Greene left the Hawkeye program following his junior season in 2008 and was a third round draft selection of the New York Jets.

Iowa could have two players leave early for the draft. Conerback Amari Spievey said after Tuesday night's game that he's 50-50 for the NFL draft.