DALLAS - As many have anticipated for the last few weeks, redshirt junior defensive end Sam Hubbard will be declaring for the NFL draft.

Coming off arguably his best performance in 2017 with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss, Hubbard played to his peak ability on the biggest stage. On Saturday, Hubbard tweeted out his intention to leave Ohio State.

Hubbard has already been projected as a late first-round pick on many draft big boards, but Friday night's showing could propel him even higher.

Although listed as a defensive end, Hubbard could transition well to linebacker in the NFL, given his speed for his size. When asked about the future of Ohio State's defensive line, Hubbard had nothing but praise for coach Larry Johnson.

"The blueprint has been set," he said. "Coach Johnson has been dreaming up a unit like this with so many guys and so much brotherhood. They have to take it and run with it."

Drawing some comparisons to former teammate Joey Bosa, time will tell how successful the former lacrosse player will be at the next level.