Michigan football's star pass-rusher Josh Uche heading to NFL draft; will play in bowl

Orion Sang | Detroit Free Press

Michigan linebacker Josh Uche announced Wednesday night that he will enter this spring's NFL draft and will play in the team's yet-to-be determined bowl game.

"Me and my family have made the decision to forego my final season of eligibility and enter my name in the 2020 NFL Draft," Uche wrote in a statement he posted on Twitter. "I am still working hard with my teammates to win our 10th game of the season in the Bowl Game and I am excited to represent Michigan on the field one last time."

Forever Go Blue 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/PtZxSrYuFm — Josh Uche (@_Uche35) December 4, 2019

Uche, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound strong-side linebacker, emerged as the team's top pass-rusher this season. Through 12 regular-season games, he tallied 34 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 8.5 sacks. He also had two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Tuesday afternoon, he earned All-Big Ten honors, named to the third team by media and second team by coaches.

Uche was one of the nation's most effective pass-rushers this season on a per-snap basis in terms of both pressure rate and pass-rush win percentage, according to Pro Football Focus. He saw his role expand significantly from last season, when he was primarily utilized on third downs — and still led the team with 7 sacks.

Uche signed with Michigan in the class of 2016 after becoming a priority target for defensive coordinator Don Brown. Uche, who attended Columbus High School and is from Miami, Florida, was ranked a three-star prospect and the nation's No. 707 overall recruit.

He played sparingly in his first two seasons before developing into one of the team's best pass-rushers. And now, the Wolverines must find a way to replace his production next season.

Michigan football: Linebacker Jordan Anthony enters NCAA transfer portal

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Contact Orion Sang at osang@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang. Read more on the Michigan Wolverines and sign up for our Wolverines newsletter.