Illinois' star NFL Draft prospect is heading to the Senior Bowl showcase

The Illinois football team's star outside linebacker is not done yet, as senior Gabe Jacas has officially accepted an invite to the upcoming Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Jacas, a top prospect for the Illini in the upcoming NFL Draft, was an elite member of Bret Bielema's No. 51-ranked defense this season. His senior year was the best of his career, where he recorded 11 sacks and three forced fumbles in 12 games for the Orange and Blue.

Jacas became a key part of Illinois' unit and helped lead the program to their third bowl game in the last four years. But recently, it seemed like his season was over when Jacas opted out of the upcoming Music City Bowl to focus on the NFL Draft.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Illini fans who were hoping to see him play against the Tennessee Volunteers on December 30. But with analysts like ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projecting Jacas to be drafted in the first round, it's safe to say that the decision was expected.

Jacas has a lot on his plate as he moves into the next stage of his career. But just six days after Jacas opted out of one bowl, the news came out that he was accepting an invite to participate in another bowl.

The Panini Senior Bowl.

Gabe Jacas joins short list of Illini to play in Senior Bowl

The Panini Senior Bowl is the top all-star game in the country for college football players looking to make it to the next level. It is the pinnacle of showcases where kids can get time in the spotlight and show who they are to the scouts in attendance.

This season, Jacas will be one of four Illini to represent the program in the game, joining the likes of Luke Altmyer, JC Davis, and Xavier Scott. He will also add his name to the list of 60+ players from the University of Illinois who've participated in the game since its inception in 1950.

This is a huge deal for Jacas after he's given so much to Illinois over the past four years. He is about to step into the biggest spotlight imaginable and embark on his quest to become an NFL player. It doesn't matter if he opted out of a bowl game that isn't playoff-related.

If anything, Jacas deserves our support and admiration as he makes his way through the drafting process. This young man gave so much to the Illinois football program, to the point where we should give the same love back in his time of need. He is about to do great things at the next level, and I can't wait to see what's in store for #17.

I-L-L, always and forever!