Oregon State added to a position of need Sunday when Illinois inside linebacker Calvin Hart Jr. agreed to a transfer.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Hart gave a commitment after visiting Corvallis this weekend. Hart played two years at Illinois after starting his career at North Carolina State.
Hart has one year of eligibility remaining.
In 2021, Hart was named Big 10 defensive player of the week based on his performance in Illinois’ season opener in a win over Nebraska. It was a bittersweet game, however, as Hart suffered an ACL tear and missed the rest of the 2021 season.
Hart started 10 games last season for Illinois, and made 22 tackles, 1½ for losses. But Hart began to see his playing time dwindle, and after going through spring practice, decided to transfer.
Hart played three years at North Carolina State, where he played 24 games. Hart had 53 tackles, three sacks, 8½ tackles for loss and three forced fumbles while playing for the Wolfpack.
Oregon State sustained significant losses at inside linebacker following the 2022 season, as starters Kyrei Fisher-Morris and Omar Speights are gone, as is a key backup in Jack Colletto. Hart fills a need in terms of experience.
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel