Washington's Onwuzurike opts out of season to prepare for NFL draft

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 05: Washington Huskies defensive line Levi Onwuzurike (95) looks on during the college football game between the University of Washington Huskies and Stanford Cardinal on October 5, 2019 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, CA.

Icon Sportswire / Getty

Washington defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike opted out of the 2020 season and will begin preparations for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The New Chapter

Thank You Washington for the Support💜! pic.twitter.com/NNXvYIOiad
— Levi Onwuzurike. (@LeviOnw) September 17, 2020

Onwuzurike, considered one of the best defensive linemen in the country, racked up at least 30 tackles - six for loss - and two sacks in each of the last two seasons. He was headed to his senior campaign with the Huskies.

He's the second key starter from Washington's defense to declare for the draft, along with linebacker Joe Tryon.

The Pac-12 was one of two Power 5 conferences to postpone the fall football season in August due to COVID-19 concerns, but both have changed course. The Big Ten announced Wednesday that the new season will begin on the weekend of Oct. 24, while the Pac-12 has recently had positive developments regarding its return to play.