Iowa safety Sebastian Castro to return for extra year of eligibility

IOWA CITY — Add Sebastian Castro to the growing list of key Iowa players who will come back in 2024.

Castro announced his plans to use his extra COVID-19 year of eligibility via the team’s social media accounts Saturday, putting his NFL ambitions on hold for another year.

Castro, the starter at Iowa’s hybrid “Cash” position, recorded a team-high three interceptions this season and returned one of his picks for a touchdown. He earned third-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press.

Opposing quarterbacks had an NFL passer rating of 43.7 when throwing toward Castro’s receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Oak Lawn, Ill., native joins linebacker Jay Higgins and cornerback Jermari Harris as key defensive players who are putting their pro football ambitions on hold to come back in 2024.

On the other side of the ball, tight end Luke Lachey and offensive lineman Nick DeJong also have announced plans to return in 2024. Lachey, while only a junior, could have heard his name called in April’s NFL Draft.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com