Iowa defensive end Anthony Nelson became the third Hawkeye to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft when he announced his intentions to forgo his senior season on Monday.

“These past 4 years competing alongside my teammates for the state of Iowa in front of the best fans in the country will be something I will never forget,” Nelson tweeted. “After a great deal of consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.”

Nelson tied for second in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks, only trailing teammate A.J. Epenesa, who racked up 10.5. He finished second on the team with 13.5 total tackles for loss and eighth with 45 total stops and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery against Maryland.

Nelson burst onto the scene in 2016 when he took the quarterback down behind the line 6 times and upped that mark to a Big Ten-best 7.5 in 2017.

The Waukee, Iowa, native was named second-team All-Big Ten by the conference media and coaches.

Nelson played a key role on a defensive line that served as the biggest strength of a stellar Hawkeye defense that finished seventh nationally in total defense (293.6 yards per game) and 12th in scoring defense (17.8 points per game).

“As a kid, I always dreamed of one day being a Hawkeye and to be able to live out this dream has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Nelson tweeted. “I am excited to now have the opportunity to pursue another of my dreams and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”