SAN DIEGO -- Corey Liuget left the University of Illinois early to enter the NFL draft in 2011, and was the No. 18 selection by the San Diego Chargers.

The 26-year-old defensive end instantly became a multi-millionaire, putting college in his rear-view mirror.

However, in part to send a message to his kids -- son Corey Jr. and daughters Eden and Eva -- Liuget continued to take classes every offseason by traveling back to Illinois during the spring.

Liuget’s hard work paid off; he will graduate in two weeks from Illinois with a degree in sociology.

Corey Liuget hopes to drop 25 pounds from last season's playing weight of 315. Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini

“I can always let them know that Dad was very good at what he did in his professional life, but he also got an education while he was doing it,” Liuget said. “So at the end of the day, there should be no excuse for why they don’t have a degree by the time they’re 25 or 26 years old.”

Liuget said he still has a couple exams he has to finish up, but plans to walk with his graduating class on May 14 in Champaign, Ill.

Along with finishing up his degree, another point of emphasis this offseason for Liuget has been losing weight. The Florida native said he’s dropped 17 pounds so far, and ultimately wants to play at 290 pounds instead of the 315 he weighed in 2015.

Liuget finished last year on injured reserve with a foot injury and an ailing knee that required surgery. In 11 games, Liuget totaled 34 tackles and three sacks. It’s the first time since his rookie season in 2011 that Liuget did not play a full, 16-game season.

Liuget said he wants to play at a lighter weight to help extend his career and put less pressure on his joints. Also, he has to keep up with a new teammate in first-round draft pick Joey Bosa.

San Diego’s plan on passing downs is to have both Liuget and Bosa rush from the interior, with Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu rushing from the perimeter.

“You got a young guy coming in that’s going to be real explosive, and I’ve got to compete with that guy,” Liuget said, smiling. “The competition is going to be there, and I’ve got to get ready to haul butt, because he’s coming in with fresh legs. He’s in some damn good shape, so I have to be able to run with him.”