Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Meet the D-Line
So far, the Illini defense appears to be much improved over the 2009 edition. Much of the change likely can be attributed to new defensive coordinator Vic Koenning.
Here's a look at who Koenning has put on the line:
Corey Liuget, a junior from Miami, was expected to be a leader on the D-line this season. So far, he has proven to be legit (also the correct pronunciation of his name). He actually dropped weight this season, which has helped him move more quickly. A 4-star recruit, he started a couple games as a freshman, and played all last season, starting four games. As a freshman, he ranked 5th in the Big Ten in fumble recoveries. To date this season, he's got 3 tackles for loss including a sack, and he's often one of the Illini jerseys around the football.
Whitney Mercilus, a redshirt sophomore from Akron, Ohio, took over a starting role after Michael Buchanan was suspended. Mercilus had 8 tackles in 11 games last season, and 3.5 were for loss. So far this season, he has 6 tackles -- two for loss, including a sack. He's got great potential this season and beyond.
Senior Clay Nurse, went to high school in Beltsville, Md., after immigrating from Georgetown, Guyana. He offered some insight into the new defensive mindset during spring ball, after earning all-Big Ten honorable mention in 2009. Nurse is starting at Bandit after Buchanan's suspension. He has yet to reach the level he played at much of last season, but his leadership and work ethic has helped change the defensive culture.
Akeem Spence is a redshirt freshman from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Spence is off to a solid start this season, as he has recorded 6 tackles, including a sack, in his first three games at this level. And he will improve with experience.
Redshirt sophomore Glenn Foster of Chicago is a key part of the D-line rotation so far.
Overall, this group has done a nice job penetrating into the backfield and keeping pressure on opposing QBs. As the level of competition increases with the beginning of the Big Ten season, these guys will be challenged. But if they can control the line, it could be a very exciting season.
Go Illini!
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Here's a look at who Koenning has put on the line:
Corey Liuget, a junior from Miami, was expected to be a leader on the D-line this season. So far, he has proven to be legit (also the correct pronunciation of his name). He actually dropped weight this season, which has helped him move more quickly. A 4-star recruit, he started a couple games as a freshman, and played all last season, starting four games. As a freshman, he ranked 5th in the Big Ten in fumble recoveries. To date this season, he's got 3 tackles for loss including a sack, and he's often one of the Illini jerseys around the football.
Whitney Mercilus, a redshirt sophomore from Akron, Ohio, took over a starting role after Michael Buchanan was suspended. Mercilus had 8 tackles in 11 games last season, and 3.5 were for loss. So far this season, he has 6 tackles -- two for loss, including a sack. He's got great potential this season and beyond.
Senior Clay Nurse, went to high school in Beltsville, Md., after immigrating from Georgetown, Guyana. He offered some insight into the new defensive mindset during spring ball, after earning all-Big Ten honorable mention in 2009. Nurse is starting at Bandit after Buchanan's suspension. He has yet to reach the level he played at much of last season, but his leadership and work ethic has helped change the defensive culture.
Akeem Spence is a redshirt freshman from Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Spence is off to a solid start this season, as he has recorded 6 tackles, including a sack, in his first three games at this level. And he will improve with experience.
Redshirt sophomore Glenn Foster of Chicago is a key part of the D-line rotation so far.
Overall, this group has done a nice job penetrating into the backfield and keeping pressure on opposing QBs. As the level of competition increases with the beginning of the Big Ten season, these guys will be challenged. But if they can control the line, it could be a very exciting season.
Go Illini!
Labels: Akeem Spence, Clay Nurse, Corey Liuget, Whitney Mercilus
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:55 PM
Friday, September 10, 2010
Opening at Home
After a tough neutral-site battle to open the season, Ron Zook and the Illini will be in Champaign for their 2010 season home opener against the Salukis of Southern Illinois. This is one of those games that the Illini need to -- and should -- win. But given the unpredictability of the college football season so far, nothing should be taken for granted.
Here are a few players to watch:
Go Illini!
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Here are a few players to watch:
- QB Nathan Scheelhaase has potential, but he needs to hold on to the ball and throw it to his own men. Now that he has his first start under his belt, expect to see him hold on a bit better. He sounds like he's learning quickly as a redshirt freshman.
- The Illini defense leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss after the first game. After owning the line in the first half against Mizzou, they should be able to last longer and prove themselves stronger against the Salukis.
- RB Mikel Leshoure is closing in on 1,000 career rushing yards. He should be able to pass that mark Saturday.
- A healthy LB Martez Wilson should be able to show off his athleticism and prove that he's grown into his position.
- WR A.J. Jenkins played well last weekend, and hopes to be on the other end of more Scheelhaase TD passes.
- Clay Nurse has been moved to Bandit following the suspension of Michael Buchanan.
Go Illini!
Labels: A.J. Jenkins, Clay Nurse, Illini football, Martez Wilson, Mikel Leshoure, Nathan Scheelhaase
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:19 PM
