By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012)
San Jose State inside linebacker Frank Ginda has declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, according to his Twitter account.
The junior played in all but one game during his three-year career at SJSU — totalling 352 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and an interception — in 38 contests.
“I have decided to forego my senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. I will always bleed blue and gold,” said Ginda on his Twitter post.
Speculation of Ginda cutting his Spartan career short began immediately after the three-point Nov. 25 Senior Day victory over Wyoming, as the Spartan community took to Twitter, wondering if Ginda would return for his senior season.
Two weeks ago, Ginda revealed there was an inclination to declare for the upcoming draft.
“I’m weighing my options right now, but I’m leaning toward living my dream,” Ginda told The Spear on Dec. 8.
The Academic All-District 8 linebacker had his breakout season in 2017 with 173 total stops, which was six shy of his 2015 and 2016 combined total, 20 more than the runner up and 40 more than the third place tackler.
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS:
As for where Ginda may be headed, it makes sense for a team like the Chicago Bears to give him a shot.
Assuming the Bears don’t trade up, they would have a couple fourth round picks at with 103rd and 108th overall.
Ginda, according to the San Jose Mercury News, is a projected Day 3 prospect who should get the phone call as early as round four.
Chicago has been in desperate need of a true three-down linebacker, a piece they’ve missed on defense since the retirement of Brian Urlacher in 2012.
Ginda’s size, speed and strength would fill that role as a rookie — and given he’s already accustomed to a 3-4 defensive scheme — the Bears seem like a good fit.
A big plus if Ginda lands in the Windy City would be comfort and familiarity. Former Spartan linebacker Isaiah Irving, who played alongside Ginda in 2015 and 2016, is currently a Bear.
Other possible landing spots for the Mountain West’s all-time leader for tackles in a season is New England. Though it currently doesn’t own a fourth-round pick, team scouts have been sent to CEFCU Stadium during practices late in the season.
Miami, Washington and Cincinnati all look suitable also, as all teams have been ripped to shreds on runs up the middle all year.