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Washington State star Hercules Mata’afa to skip senior season

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) is sacked by Washington State Cougars linebacker Frankie Luvu (51) and Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Hercules Mata'afa (50) as the University of Utah hosts Washington State, NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Saturday November 11, 2017.

Pullman, Wash. • Washington State defensive tackle Hercules Mata'afa is skipping his senior year and will enter the NFL draft.

The Lahaina, Hawaii, native announced on Twitter that he will seek a pro job on the heels of a dominant junior season. He led the Pac-12 Conference in sacks at 10.5 and tackles for loss at 22.5.

Mata'afa, a dominant pass rusher, was an All-America selection for the first time this season.