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Illinois leader in sacks, All-B1G selection announces he’s entering NCAA transfer portal
Published:
Another Illinois defensive player is deciding to move on from the program.
On Wednesday, defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. announced on Twitter that he has decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal. Earlier this week, linebackers Jake Hansen and Milo Eifler both revealed that they are declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Carney’s decision is a big hit for the Illini. He was the team’s leader in sacks (5.0) and earned All-B1G second-team honors at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Below is the defensive lineman’s message, which he posted on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/giftedowen/status/1344351167975976966?s=21
Over the last four seasons with the Illini, Carney has been credited with 69 stops, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 pass break-ups and a forced fumble. He blossomed into an intimidating defensive lineman for Illinois during the 2020 season.
This past year, Carney was responsible for 27 tackles, 5 sacks and a forced fumble. But it wasn’t enough to help the Illini get over the hump, finishing 2-6 on the year.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB