Texas A&M will begin its season on Saturday without starting linebacker Anthony Hines, who announced that he has chosen to opt out.
Hines’ decision comes a week after the Aggies’ leading receiver, Jhamon Ausbon, said he would opt out to begin preparing for the 2021 NFL draft.
Hines, a junior, made no mention of the draft in his announcement Sunday. He cited COVID-19 and social unrest as reasons he can’t maintain total focus on football right now.
— Anthony Hines III (@TheAntHines_Era) September 20, 2020
Hines was Texas A&M’s second-leading tackler (73) on the team last season.
He ranked second on the team in tackles for loss (10.5) and fourth in quarterback hurries (4).
Texas A&M opens the season at home against Vanderbilt on Saturday.
This article was originally published by Espn.com. Read the original article here.