Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus to enter NFL draft

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft, the university announced Tuesday morning. Mercilus tied the school record with?16 sacks and helped the Illini to a 7-6 record.

Mercilus will comment later Tuesday, when Illinois is also expected to announce the hiring of assistants to the staff under coach Tim Beckman.

Mercilus was named the Hendricks Award winner, an award that goes to the nation's top defensive end, after leading the country in sacks and forced fumbles with nine. He was a first-team All-America and first-team All-Big Ten. With such a hot season, the departure of Mercilus was expected, because his draft status may never be higher.

Before the Illini defeated UCLA 20-14 in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on Saturday, he told people close to him there was little chance of his return. It leaves hybrid linebacker?Michael Buchanan as a key player for next season.

Coach Tim Beckman mentioned Buchanan as one of four juniors who would consider a move to the NFL, but Buchanan appeared set on returning next season during an interview prior to?the bowl game. He wants to gain 10 pounds and become a star on the defense, he said.

In a statement released by Mercilus, he wanted to "congratulate my teammates and coaches for a great win against UCLA in the Fight Hunger Bowl. It was a great feeling to get back to winning, especially with a defensive performance like we had.''

Then he thanked everyone involved with his development.

"With that said, after a lot of prayer and discussion with my family, I have decided the time is right for me to forgo my senior year and enter the 2012 NFL draft,'' he said in the statement. "I want to thank Coach (Ron) Zook, Coach (Vic) Koenning, Coach (Keith) Gilmore and the entire Illini staff for helping me get to this point. To the entire Illinois community ? students, professors, athletic department and fans ? thank you for all of your support during my time here in Champaign; these have been some of the best times of my life and I will never forget all that this university means to me.?

"Finally, thank you to my teammates ? without you guys, I would not be in the position to make this decision. I have faith that Illinois will rise to the top, and I will be there to support you.''

Mercilus tied Simeon Rice as the school record holder in sacks in a single season despite a weight room accident that took a portion of one finger last April.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JohnSupinie.

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Source: http://www.journalstandard.com/sports/x550241889/Illinois-DE-Whitney-Mercilus-to-enter-NFL-draft

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