Illinois linebacker Jake Hasen has officially declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after playing for four seasons at the university.

He released a statement on his official Twitter page on Monday afternoon thanking everyone at the university:

Hansen could’ve taken the extra year to be with the Fighting Illini but it looks like he has higher aspirations going into next year (and rightfully so).

Hansen really did not play much during his freshman season but he absolutely took off during his sophomore season in 2018. He had 95 total tackles (47 solo) with a sack and a forced fumble. He also had 8.5 tackles for a loss.

In 2019, he had 71 total tackles (39 solo) with 3.5 sacks and an interception. He also had seven forced fumbles that season which is a career-best. Finally, for this past season, Hansen had 68 tackles (36 solo) with 2.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Wherever he ends up in the NFL, that team will be getting a player who has a knack for being a playmaker.