Last year, he was a Butkus Award semifinalist. This year, he is already on the watch list for the honor, named after the former Illini great. His move to middle linebacker should enhance both his statistics and the play of the defense. He will be the quarterback of the unit and pile up a high tackle count after he made 72 tackles in 2019. He has learned well from the Illini coaches, who stress takeaways at every turn. A year ago, despite missing the final four games, he led the nation with seven forced fumbles. That's a skill that doesn't go away. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound product of Tarpon Springs, Fla., is the son of former BYU standout Shad, who is the school's career leader in tackles. Hansen follows a long line of successful linebackers in C-U, a list that includes Dana Howard, Kevin Hardy, John Holecek, Darrick Brownlow, Danny Clark, J Leman, Mason Monheim and, of course, Butkus. - News Gazette Tribune