IOWA CITY, Iowa — Defensive back Sebastian Castro will return to Iowa for a sixth year and forgo his opportunity to play in the NFL, he announced on social media Saturday.

Unfinished Business.@castro2x5 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/vF9Q2GSPbB

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) January 6, 2024

Castro, a two-year starter at Iowa’s cash position, is the fifth Iowa player to return for an extra season. He was named a third-team All-American by The Associated Press and a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus.

One of the Big Ten’s most prolific tacklers, Castro finished with 67 overall, including eight for loss. He intercepted three passes and had eight pass breakups.

Castro was named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week after returning an interception for a touchdown against Iowa State. He had another against Wisconsin which he could have taken the distance but instead dropped to a knee so the team could run out the clock.

Along with cornerback Jermari Harris, linebacker Jay Higgins, offensive lineman Nick DeJong and quarterback Cade McNamara, Castro will use his extra season based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

What this means for Iowa

Castro possibly is Iowa’s hardest-hitting defensive back over the last two decades, and he brings a physical element to the Hawkeyes’ secondary. Along with his quick-strike power, Castro also has developed into a savvy pass defender. His interceptions showed him baiting the quarterback into mistakes.

As for the secondary, Castro joins Harris and safety Xavier Nwankpa as returnees. Safety Quinn Schulte has yet to decide if he wants to come back for another season. Likely first-round cornerback Cooper DeJean announced Thursday he will enter the NFL Draft.

The Hawkeyes now have six starters slated to return on one of the nation’s top defenses. Along with Schulte, linebacker Nick Jackson also could come back next season.

What this means for Castro

A likely NFL Draft pick, Castro has the opportunity to bolster his NFL resume with one more season and polish a few of his shortcomings. He could become Iowa’s next consensus All-American defensive back in the process.

Now a veteran, Castro has freedom to operate within the defense at a position that serves as a hybrid outside linebacker and slot corner.

“When you’ve got somebody like Castro who can change the game every time he touches somebody with the ball, we’re going to try to get him to the ball anytime we can,” Higgins said.

“We know how Castro plays. We appreciate that. And when you got a guy like that, who can make plays, you kind of just let him do what he does.”

Required reading

(Photo: Jeffrey Becker / USA Today)