Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen declared for the NFL Draft on Monday afternoon, announcing his decision via Twitter.
“It has been an honor to wear the Orange and Blue at Memorial Stadium in front of the best fans in the nation,” Hansen wrote. Thank you to Coach [Lovie] Smith for helping me grow as a man and a player.”
Hansen, a senior, had the option to come back due to the pandemic eligibility rule.
During his time at Illinois, he epitomized Lovie Ball, forcing 10 fumble (third-most in program history) and leading the nation in force fumbles in 2019.