Watson announces transfer to Maryland

Western+Michigan+running+back+Jamauri+Bogan+%2832%29+gets+tackled+by+Illinois+defensive+back+Patrick+Nelson+%2821%29+and+linebacker+Tre+Watson+%2833%29+during+the+the+game+against+Western+Michigan+at+Memorial+Stadium+on+Saturday%2C+September+17%2C+2016.+The+Illini+lost+34-10.

Austin Yattoni

Western Michigan running back Jamauri Bogan (32) gets tackled by Illinois defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) and linebacker Tre Watson (33) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17, 2016. The Illini lost 34-10.

By Mike Gasick, Staff writer

Junior Tre Watson announced Friday that he is transferring to Maryland to complete his collegiate career.

Watson was one of the leaders for the Illini defense the past few years.

He compiled 188 total tackles during his three years at Illinois after redshirting his 2014 season.

The Florida native had 65 tackles to go along with an interception last season. He played in nine games with seven starts at linebacker.

He was forced to miss three games due to undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in October.

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Watson joins over 10 other Illini players who have transferred following the conclusion of the 2017 season.

The junior will be immediately eligible to play at any school next year, per NCAA graduate-transfer rules.

@mike_mgasick

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