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Passing on a potential extra year of eligibility, Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen announced on Monday that he is entering the 2021 NFL Draft.
Hansen becomes the second Illini football player to announce entrance into the draft, after senior wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe opted out of the Illini’s final game of the season to prepare for the NFL Draft.
The Illini’s leading tackler this season with 68, Hansen added 10 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two pass breakups. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten linebacker in 2020 by the conference media, and a Third-Team selection by the coaches.
Hansen is responsible for 10 career forced fumbles over his career, tied for the third-most in Illini history. He led the nation in forced fumbles in 2019, forcing seven fumbles in as many games. His 14 takeaways during the last two seasons lead the nation. He had the No. 1 tackling grade in the nation according to Pro Football Focus.
In an announcement on Twitter on Monday, Hansen expressed his gratitude.
https://twitter.com/Juggs35/status/1343662357948592132
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.