Call it a trade if you want.

A week after Illinois lost fifth-year senior linebacker T.J. Neal to Auburn, it got something in return.

According to multiple reports, Auburn defensive end Gimel President will transfer to Illinois. He’ll also be eligible to play immediately as a graduate transfer, but he won’t join to team until the summer after he finishes classes at Auburn.

President recorded 12 tackles and two sacks in 10 games of action in 2015. In 25 career games at Auburn, he had 45 tackles, seven of which for loss. He started nine games for the Tigers as a sophomore in 2014 but went back to a reserve role in 2015.

His presence will give Illinois a boost on the defensive line with the loss of rising prospect Jihad Ward. The defensive line could be a strength next year with the likes of Chunky Clements, Dawuane Smoot, Rob Bain and Carroll Phillips returning.

Illinois is set to start spring practices on March 11.