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CEDAR FALLS | Northern Iowa junior linebacker Brett McMakin confirmed via Twitter that he has declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.

McMakin. a second-team all-American this past fall for UNI, announcement came just before the NFL early entry draft deadline which is Jan. 18.

McMakin declined to comment on his decision saying in a Twitter message he is concentrating on his training, but he is the first UNI player in school history to declare for the draft early.

The 6-foot-4, 232-pound McMakin has recorded 225 tackles, 28 for loss and 13 sacks in the past two seasons for the Panthers.

McMakin figured to be a central figure for UNI in 2016 but his loss is a huge hit for a Panther defense that also lost to graduation first-team all-American Deiondre Hall, cornerback Makinton Dorleant, safety Tim Kilfoy and standout defensive lineman Isaac Ales.

McMakin had 115 tackles, 15 1/2 for loss and two interceptions this season, following a season where he had 103 tackles, and 9 1/2 sacks as a sophomore when he earned second-team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.

Twice in his career McMakin earned MVFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, including this season against North Dakota State in an October loss.

As a freshman, McMakin appeared in eight games, starting four on the defensive line and linebacker positions. He finished with 29 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

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