USC defensive lineman Jay Tufele will opt out of the Pac-12’s postponed season and will declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, he announced Wednesday.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks Tufele No. 22 on his Big Board for the upcoming draft. Tufele, a redshirt junior, was the Trojans’ defensive lineman of the year last season. He also earned All-Pac-12 honors after totaling 41 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2019.

Tufele posted a statement to Twitter explaining his decision. He said moving on from college football was a difficult decision and credited his family, academic advisors, coaches and teammates for supporting him throughout his journey. He then added that playing for the Trojans made him grow both as a football player and a person.

“I will always cherish the positive memories,” Tufele said in the statement. “That being said, I have come to the point where it is time for me to do what is best for my career and family. … Although it pains me to leave all the people who have become so instrumental in my life, know that I will carry all of you with me in my heart as I embark on the next phase of my journey.”

The Pac-12 announced on Aug. 11 the postponement of its season. It is hoping to have the football season in the spring, striving for a start date sometime around Jan. 1. 

Considering his draft stock, Tufele’s decision doesn’t come as a surprise. It follows other stars’ Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks’, decisions to focus on preparing for the pros. It also comes a day after Alabama coach Nick Saban expressed concern over the spring season regarding stars and upperclassmen — like Tufele — opting out.