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Illinois LB Hansen Returning for Fifth Season

Linebacker Jake Hansen is returning to the University of Illinois, he announced Monday. Hansen led the nation in takeaways over the last two seasons (14) and will be one of the most accomplished linebackers to return to the Big Ten and college football in 2021.

 

Illinois will have 21 "super seniors" on its 2021 roster who will be using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illini have more returning scholarship "super seniors" than any Power-5 team in the nation, according to a report by the Associated Press, and five more than any other program in the Big Ten.

 

Hansen tested the NFL Draft process in 2021 before electing to return to Illinois. The NCAA granted Hansen a final year of eligibility and he will continue pursuing a master's degree in recreation, sport, and tourism after graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in kinesiology.

 

Hansen was an All-Big Ten second team selection by the media in 2020 and the No. 3 tackler in the nation according to PFF. He ranked fifth in the Big Ten in TFLs, eighth in forced fumbles, 10th in fumble recoveries, 10th in tackles, and 12th in interceptions last season.

 

Hansen has been involved in 14 takeaways in the last two seasons, the most of any player in the nation. He has eight forced fumbles recovered by Illinois, three fumble recoveries (on fumbles he did not force), and three interceptions. The 2019 Butkus Award semifinalist is tied for third in Illinois history in forced fumbles (10), behind only Illinois legends Simeon Rice (13) and Whitney Mercilus (11).

 

Hansen enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 with 72 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, one interception, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries on the season. He led the nation in forced fumbles (7) and forced fumbles per game (0.78) on his way to Butkus Award semifinalist status.

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