Lincoln alumnus Diaz declares for 2022 NFL Draft

Lincoln High School 2017 graduate Julian Diaz recently finished his final collegiate football season as a punter and placekicker at the University of Nevada and announced last Thursday on social media that he will enter the 2022 NFL Draft. "I've worked very hard to get to where I am today and the work is nowhere near over," Diaz said. "I feel so blessed and thankful to be in this position and I can't wait to see where this journey is going to take me." Diaz averaged 45 yards per punt on 50 total punts in the 2021 season as the Wolfpack finished 8-5 losing the Quick Lane Bowl to Western Michigan. Out of all punters in the nation, Diaz was 21st in the highest average yards per kick. He also totaled 81 kickoffs with 52 resulting in a touchback. Prior to his time at the University of Nevada, Diaz played on the Lincoln High team that won a league championship in 2016, kicking 39 touchbacks and converting 41 out of 47 extra points. "Seeing someone that I got to play with get drafted would be crazy and no one would ever think that someone from Lincoln would make it this far," former teammate Brett Woolley said. Woolley also kicked at Lincoln High and graduated in 2019. "I could barely punt and missed 20-yard field goals as a freshman and Julian reached out to me and offered to coach and guide me in the right path to become a better person and kicker," Woolley said. "He's an exceptional man and I think it's crazy awesome that he has the opportunity to represent the town at the highest level." Diaz will join a talented 2022 group of place kickers and punters that include Matt Araiza from San Diego State University and Jordan Stout from Penn State University. The 2022 NFL Draft is expected to take place in Paradise, Nevada from April 28 to April 30.