![Leighton Vander Esch Declares for 2018 NFL Draft](http://townsquare.media/site/661/files/2017/12/vander-esche.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Leighton Vander Esch Declares for 2018 NFL Draft
Loren Orr
Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch the defensive player of the year in the Mountain West Conference has announced he will skip his senior season at Boise State and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Vander Esch who walked on at Boise State after playing 8-man football at Riggins High had 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions on the year including a game clinching pick in the Mountain West Championship against Fresno State. Vander Esch could be a first or second round pick especially after the way he ended the season with strong performances. Vander Esch had a team high 12 tackles, including three for losses and a forced fumble in the Broncos 10pt win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl. BSU head coach Brayn Harsin said he met with Vander Esch Wednesday night and totally supports his decision to move on. This marks the 5th straight year a Boise State player has elected to leave school for the NFL Draft.
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