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Welcome back! After declaring for NFL Draft, Illinois starting LB reverses course to return for 2021 season

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Illinois defense just got another major boost.

On Monday, linebacker Jake Hansen made a surprise announcement in a Twitter video, saying he will return to the Fighting Illini for the 2021 season. He had previously declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, but said he had a change of heart after conversations with new head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois staff.

Hansen received a waiver from the NCAA to return to Champaign for the 2021 season after his declaration. Below is the video shared by the program on Monday:

Hansen ended the 2020 season as Illinois’ top tackler, recording 68 total stops, including 10 for loss and 2.5 sacks in 8 games for the Illini. He was also credited with 4 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.

Over the last three seasons, Hansen has been a major contributor on the defensive side of the football. He’s piled up 243 tackles, 26 for loss, 10 forced fumbles, 7 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, 6 pass break-ups and 3 interceptions.

Illinois ended the 2020 season with a 2-6 mark in the fifth year under Lovie Smith. Athletic director Josh Whitman made a change at the top before the Illini’s season finale against Penn State in Week 9.

Bielema has done a great job getting players from the 2020 team to return, and Hansen’s decision to reverse course is a significant boost for the defense.

Dustin Schutte

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