One of TCU's best defensive players intends apply for early entry for the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the news about safety Chris Hackett, who had 75 tackles and a team-high seven interceptions for the Horned Frogs (12-1).
"I would like to thank my family, coaches teammates, professors and the TCU fans for their unwavering support," Hackett said in a statement. "Coming to TCU was an incredible opportunity that I will always cherish. I've dreamed of playing in the NFL for as long as I can remember, and I am ready to move on to the next stage of making that a dream a reality."
Hackett (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) lacks elite speed, but has OK size, versatility, good instincts and ball skills, and also plays with a physical nature.
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2011, Hackett was a three-year starter. He would finish his career with 224 tackles, 12 picks, 16 pass breakups and five forced fumbles.
TCU runs a 4-2-5 defensive set, and Hackett's departure would means the Horned Frogs -- who are set to return 10 offensive starters -- will need to replace five of their back seven and six defensive starters total.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.