Thursday, September 23, 2010
Linebackers Start Strong
At the heart of the Fighting Illini defense, the linebackers have consistently been on top of their opponents. Their tackling has been solid, and they have done a good job of getting into the backfield for negative yards.
Here's a bit of background on the starting LB group:
Senior Nate Bussey, from the Washington D.C. area, went to high school with former Illini and current NFL players Vontae Davis and Arrelious Benn. A high school QB, Bussey converted to safety and then to OLB during the spring of 2009. So far this season, he's racked up 19 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and two hard back-to-back hits on Mizzou's T.J. Moe (you may remember the second one, which made Moe lose his helmet).
Ian Thomas, a redshirt junior from Berwyn Heights, Md., finished last season as the team leader in tackles, and ranked 10th in the Big Ten. That was after stepping in at MLB after Martez Wilson was hurt. On a personal note, he also helped care for his mother after she suffered a brain aneurism. Thomas is off to a strong start this season, playing opposite Bussey and tied for second in tackles on the team to date with 24 (4 for loss) and a fumble recovery.
Chicago Simeon standout Martez Wilson, has recovered from the herniated disc in his neck that kept him out of all but the opening game last season and earned him a medical redshirt. That makes him a junior in eligibility this year. Expectations for Wilson are high, and he's set lofty personal goals, as well. He's come a long way since he first took over at MLB during the spring of 2009. And so far he leads the Illini with 25 tackles, 3 of those for a loss.
A couple others in the LB rotation include senior and junior college transfer Aaron Gress from California and redshirt sophomore Justin Staples from Ohio. Staples as 10 tackles, including a sack, and Gress has 3 tackles.
This group has been hitting hard. Keep it up, guys!
Go Illini!
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Here's a bit of background on the starting LB group:
Senior Nate Bussey, from the Washington D.C. area, went to high school with former Illini and current NFL players Vontae Davis and Arrelious Benn. A high school QB, Bussey converted to safety and then to OLB during the spring of 2009. So far this season, he's racked up 19 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and two hard back-to-back hits on Mizzou's T.J. Moe (you may remember the second one, which made Moe lose his helmet).
Ian Thomas, a redshirt junior from Berwyn Heights, Md., finished last season as the team leader in tackles, and ranked 10th in the Big Ten. That was after stepping in at MLB after Martez Wilson was hurt. On a personal note, he also helped care for his mother after she suffered a brain aneurism. Thomas is off to a strong start this season, playing opposite Bussey and tied for second in tackles on the team to date with 24 (4 for loss) and a fumble recovery.
Chicago Simeon standout Martez Wilson, has recovered from the herniated disc in his neck that kept him out of all but the opening game last season and earned him a medical redshirt. That makes him a junior in eligibility this year. Expectations for Wilson are high, and he's set lofty personal goals, as well. He's come a long way since he first took over at MLB during the spring of 2009. And so far he leads the Illini with 25 tackles, 3 of those for a loss.
A couple others in the LB rotation include senior and junior college transfer Aaron Gress from California and redshirt sophomore Justin Staples from Ohio. Staples as 10 tackles, including a sack, and Gress has 3 tackles.
This group has been hitting hard. Keep it up, guys!
Go Illini!
Labels: Ian Thomas, Illini football, Martez Wilson, Nate Bussey
# posted by Alma Mater : 7:45 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
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Defense?
The Illini should be able to score this season. My questions are focused on the other side of the ball. The defense left a little to be desired last season, and several of the best players from that team have moved on. That leaves several unknowns...
One big change is at the heart of the D. Martez Wilson, a natural athlete, is moving from outside to middle linebacker. Last spring, he still seemed to have a lot to learn. Wilson needs to adjust to his new spot and take over the leadership that has come from that position in the last couple years. The rest of the linebackers have limited experience, but they do have speed. They will need to learn quickly for the Illini to be able to hold their own in the Big Ten.
The D-line is another area where the Illini have limited experience. But they are bigger than they have been in the past. Tackles Josh Brent and Corey Liuget weigh in over 300 pounds. And most of the rest of the line has bulked up, as well. The question will be if they can contain Big Ten offenses...they have a lot to prove.
In the secondary, the Illini already lost Miami Thomas to injury at Camp Rantoul. Dere Hicks returns as a key for this group. But this is a group that allowed opposing offenses to pass fairly well. That will need to change this year for the Illini to move up in conference standings.
The Illini D will need to work hard and gel quickly to force opponents into giving the ball back to Juice's offense. If they can show marked improvement over last season, the whole season will improve compared to 2008.
So answer some of these questions, boys. Go Illini!
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One big change is at the heart of the D. Martez Wilson, a natural athlete, is moving from outside to middle linebacker. Last spring, he still seemed to have a lot to learn. Wilson needs to adjust to his new spot and take over the leadership that has come from that position in the last couple years. The rest of the linebackers have limited experience, but they do have speed. They will need to learn quickly for the Illini to be able to hold their own in the Big Ten.
The D-line is another area where the Illini have limited experience. But they are bigger than they have been in the past. Tackles Josh Brent and Corey Liuget weigh in over 300 pounds. And most of the rest of the line has bulked up, as well. The question will be if they can contain Big Ten offenses...they have a lot to prove.
In the secondary, the Illini already lost Miami Thomas to injury at Camp Rantoul. Dere Hicks returns as a key for this group. But this is a group that allowed opposing offenses to pass fairly well. That will need to change this year for the Illini to move up in conference standings.
The Illini D will need to work hard and gel quickly to force opponents into giving the ball back to Juice's offense. If they can show marked improvement over last season, the whole season will improve compared to 2008.
So answer some of these questions, boys. Go Illini!
Labels: Dere Hicks, Illini football, Martez Wilson
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:09 PM
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Highs and Lows
Illini linebacker Martez Wilson is out of the hospital after his surgery following his receiving two stab wounds early last Friday morning. Coach Zook said he was proud of Wilson for going to the aid of a former teammate. But the initial news on the ESPN ticker on Friday didn't reflect well on the Illini program. Wilson is expected to recover, and as the third leading tackler on the team, he could play a key role next year. I'm glad he's ok, but the incident is a low.
The Illini women's volleyball team didn't make it past the Sweet 16 last weekend, but that still marked their best season in five years, and outside hitter Laura DeBruler was named Second-Team All-American. Definitely a high.
Kentucky transfer Alex Legion is still expected to make his Illini debut somewhere in the rotation Saturday against Detroit. Sounds like he's been working hard and has a lot to offer -- but remember that he hasn't played in a game for quite a while. Let's hope this is a high...
Go Illini!
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The Illini women's volleyball team didn't make it past the Sweet 16 last weekend, but that still marked their best season in five years, and outside hitter Laura DeBruler was named Second-Team All-American. Definitely a high.
Kentucky transfer Alex Legion is still expected to make his Illini debut somewhere in the rotation Saturday against Detroit. Sounds like he's been working hard and has a lot to offer -- but remember that he hasn't played in a game for quite a while. Let's hope this is a high...
Go Illini!
Labels: Alex Legion, Laura DeBruler, Martez Wilson
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:16 PM
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
NCAA Championship Game plus Martez Wilson
While I was not a fan of either team last night in the NCAA Title Game, it was a great and fun college basketball game to watch. I was a bit disappointed to see Memphis lose as I felt they outplayed Kansas for much of the game but missed free throws and mental mistakes catch up to you against great opponents. I felt like I was watching Illinois shoot free throws during those last few minutes.
I have to say that negotiation tactic or not, does it really surprise anyone that almost immediately after his team won the national championship, Bill Self leaves the door wide open with regards to the Oklahoma State job? That is who he is and it hasn't changed during the five years he has been at Kansas.
For those of you (Alma Mater) already looking forward to college football season, check out today's article in the Chicago Tribune about the Illini's Martez Wilson. He should be fun to watch over the next two to three years.
Until later, GO ILLINI!
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I have to say that negotiation tactic or not, does it really surprise anyone that almost immediately after his team won the national championship, Bill Self leaves the door wide open with regards to the Oklahoma State job? That is who he is and it hasn't changed during the five years he has been at Kansas.
For those of you (Alma Mater) already looking forward to college football season, check out today's article in the Chicago Tribune about the Illini's Martez Wilson. He should be fun to watch over the next two to three years.
Until later, GO ILLINI!
Labels: Bill Self, Martez Wilson, NCAA Tournament
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 1:53 PM
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Speed
Great observations from the game, Alma Mater. I'll look forward to hearing more about Pasadena when you get back to Illinois.
One more thing to add to my "Eight for '08" thoughts below and it has to do with speed.
I remember watching us lose to LSU in the Sugar Bowl a couple years ago and thinking, "My gosh they are crushing us in the speed department. We don't even belong on the same field."
Well, as the national media piles on this morning about how bad we got crushed (ala their love affair with USC and Pete Carroll) it's important to note that some of our freshmen-especially on defense-were able to keep up with USC's speed.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away from USC because they could be the best team in the country right now. But I did see some serious speed from some of our guys last night.
The one play I remember the best is the broken lateral that USC's Joe McKnight turned into a big gainer. Everyone in America-especially Musberger-thought he was going to take it to the house.
Yet out of nowhere Vontae Davis comes in from behind and drags him down. See photo here.
I think Martez Wilson also had some pretty good tackles that he used his speed to make.
Again, not taking anything away from USC but it is encouraging that Zook is building a team that's got some guys who can run with the best. If his recruiting continues as it has and he keeps bringing in this caliber of talent the future will be looking very bright in a few years.
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One more thing to add to my "Eight for '08" thoughts below and it has to do with speed.
I remember watching us lose to LSU in the Sugar Bowl a couple years ago and thinking, "My gosh they are crushing us in the speed department. We don't even belong on the same field."
Well, as the national media piles on this morning about how bad we got crushed (ala their love affair with USC and Pete Carroll) it's important to note that some of our freshmen-especially on defense-were able to keep up with USC's speed.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away from USC because they could be the best team in the country right now. But I did see some serious speed from some of our guys last night.
The one play I remember the best is the broken lateral that USC's Joe McKnight turned into a big gainer. Everyone in America-especially Musberger-thought he was going to take it to the house.
Yet out of nowhere Vontae Davis comes in from behind and drags him down. See photo here.
I think Martez Wilson also had some pretty good tackles that he used his speed to make.
Again, not taking anything away from USC but it is encouraging that Zook is building a team that's got some guys who can run with the best. If his recruiting continues as it has and he keeps bringing in this caliber of talent the future will be looking very bright in a few years.
Labels: Brent Musburger, Joe McKnight, Martez Wilson, Pete Carroll, Ron Zook, Vontae Davis
# posted by Chief : 6:26 AM
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
That's Our Team
Mark Tupper is genuinely excited about the shape the Illini are in at "Camp Rantoul" this year - lean, muscular and athletic. And these guys expect to win.
Coach Zook's recruiting has boosted expectations (and ticket sales) in Champaign this year, and the excitement is building toward the season opener Sept. 1.
Like every team, the 2007 Fighting Illini football team is made up of individuals who shape the team personality. We've heard plenty about potential stars who made foolish decisions and got kicked off the team, but the Illini have other leaders, as well. Senior linebacker J Leman may be "The best linebacker you've never heard of" and he makes an impact on and off the field. QB Juice Williams has more confidence after a year at the college level and a summer at the Mannings' camp. Freshman Martez Wilson plans to make an immediate impact, and he's not alone. And don't forget Regis Benn or the members of last year's recruiting class who now have a year of experience.
Have I mentioned yet that I'm excited about Illini football?
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Coach Zook's recruiting has boosted expectations (and ticket sales) in Champaign this year, and the excitement is building toward the season opener Sept. 1.
Like every team, the 2007 Fighting Illini football team is made up of individuals who shape the team personality. We've heard plenty about potential stars who made foolish decisions and got kicked off the team, but the Illini have other leaders, as well. Senior linebacker J Leman may be "The best linebacker you've never heard of" and he makes an impact on and off the field. QB Juice Williams has more confidence after a year at the college level and a summer at the Mannings' camp. Freshman Martez Wilson plans to make an immediate impact, and he's not alone. And don't forget Regis Benn or the members of last year's recruiting class who now have a year of experience.
Have I mentioned yet that I'm excited about Illini football?
Labels: Illini football, J Leman, Juice Williams, Martez Wilson, Regis Benn
# posted by Alma Mater : 6:20 PM
Friday, February 09, 2007
Is Notre Dame Saying Benn and Tez Can Be Bought?
Ron Zook did the rounds with the Chicago media yesterday. Meanwhile, Charlie Weis was unreachable. Could it be because just about every sports commentator out there, save Jim Rome, said the NY Times story that slammed Illinois on signing day wasn't worth the paper is was printed on and therefore they knew the source? I think one prominent TV personality even went as far as to say that he wouldn't use the story to wrap dead fish in. Classic.
MAJOR SIDENOTE: Consensus in the papers today seems to be that Notre Dame is the source of the mud being thrown at Zook. If that is the case, Notre Dame is actually hurting Benn and Tez even more than Zook.
First of all, the Domers look like sore losers.
Second, and most importantly, they are basically saying Benn and Tez can be bought. Way to try and destroy the character of a couple of young teenagers.
And finally, if all of this is true, Notre Dame lost a bidding war to Illinois? Wow. How pathetic.
But all that seems to be Notre Dame values today.
Below is a summary of some of the great stories out there today with key excerpts from each:
Orlando Sentinel:
Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, the man who hired and fired Zook at UF, has seen this sort of thing before when Gators basketball coach and recruiting dynamo Billy Donovan first began luring top-caliber recruits to downtrodden UF.
"Ron and I may have had our differences, but not for one second do I think he cheats," Foley said. "These are the same sort of knee-jerk accusations they made about Billy at first. They didn't take into consideration that maybe Billy was a great recruiter for a great university in a great league with great facilities and great weather. They just said he must be cheating."
Foley was speaking of established coaches such as Roy Williams (then at Kansas) who began to complain about cheating only after being out-recruited by the young, hard-charging Donovan. According to those close to the Illinois program, it is Notre Dame officials who are leaking negative information about Zook.
This is typical Golden Dome arrogance. How could high-and-mighty Notre Dame lose a recruit to those lowly bumpkins in Illinois?
As somebody who once went on a recruiting trip with Zook, I can tell you how: Because the guy works harder and cares more. I still remember that 13-day span during the May recruiting period before his first UF season when Zook jumped in a car and visited 71 high schools in the state (an average of almost six per day) and gave speeches to 12 Gator Clubs. I'm just guessing Charlie Weis isn't driving alone at midnight through the back roads of Indiana, gulping down convenience-store coffee to try to stay awake.
That's what Ron Zook once did at Florida, and it's what he's doing now at Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times:
Wilson's father, Michael Whitehead, told the Sun-Times he was shocked when a Notre Dame assistant coach got into a shouting match with a Simeon assistant at their home. The discussion centered on what Illinois football would accomplish during Wilson's time there.
'
'It was like we weren't even in the room,'' said Whitehead, who was taken aback by the argument.
Chicago Tribune:
Zook saw where Irish coach Charlie Weis said the word "commitment" needs to be redefined in recruiting.
It is believed Hughes gave Illinois a "silent" commitment before settling on Notre Dame.
Zook wouldn't confirm that but did say of Weis, "One of those kids that committed to him committed to me before he committed to him. Do I cry about that?"
Through a university spokesman, Weis could not be reached for comment.
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MAJOR SIDENOTE: Consensus in the papers today seems to be that Notre Dame is the source of the mud being thrown at Zook. If that is the case, Notre Dame is actually hurting Benn and Tez even more than Zook.
First of all, the Domers look like sore losers.
Second, and most importantly, they are basically saying Benn and Tez can be bought. Way to try and destroy the character of a couple of young teenagers.
And finally, if all of this is true, Notre Dame lost a bidding war to Illinois? Wow. How pathetic.
But all that seems to be Notre Dame values today.
Below is a summary of some of the great stories out there today with key excerpts from each:
Orlando Sentinel:
Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, the man who hired and fired Zook at UF, has seen this sort of thing before when Gators basketball coach and recruiting dynamo Billy Donovan first began luring top-caliber recruits to downtrodden UF.
"Ron and I may have had our differences, but not for one second do I think he cheats," Foley said. "These are the same sort of knee-jerk accusations they made about Billy at first. They didn't take into consideration that maybe Billy was a great recruiter for a great university in a great league with great facilities and great weather. They just said he must be cheating."
Foley was speaking of established coaches such as Roy Williams (then at Kansas) who began to complain about cheating only after being out-recruited by the young, hard-charging Donovan. According to those close to the Illinois program, it is Notre Dame officials who are leaking negative information about Zook.
This is typical Golden Dome arrogance. How could high-and-mighty Notre Dame lose a recruit to those lowly bumpkins in Illinois?
As somebody who once went on a recruiting trip with Zook, I can tell you how: Because the guy works harder and cares more. I still remember that 13-day span during the May recruiting period before his first UF season when Zook jumped in a car and visited 71 high schools in the state (an average of almost six per day) and gave speeches to 12 Gator Clubs. I'm just guessing Charlie Weis isn't driving alone at midnight through the back roads of Indiana, gulping down convenience-store coffee to try to stay awake.
That's what Ron Zook once did at Florida, and it's what he's doing now at Illinois.
Chicago Sun-Times:
Wilson's father, Michael Whitehead, told the Sun-Times he was shocked when a Notre Dame assistant coach got into a shouting match with a Simeon assistant at their home. The discussion centered on what Illinois football would accomplish during Wilson's time there.
'
'It was like we weren't even in the room,'' said Whitehead, who was taken aback by the argument.
Chicago Tribune:
Zook saw where Irish coach Charlie Weis said the word "commitment" needs to be redefined in recruiting.
It is believed Hughes gave Illinois a "silent" commitment before settling on Notre Dame.
Zook wouldn't confirm that but did say of Weis, "One of those kids that committed to him committed to me before he committed to him. Do I cry about that?"
Through a university spokesman, Weis could not be reached for comment.
Labels: Arrelious Benn, Charlie Weis, Martez Wilson, Notre Dame, Ron Zook
# posted by Chief : 9:23 AM
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Signing Day Part II (and other thoughts)
- You can follow all the signing day action LIVE on the Fighting Illini Athletic Department's blog here. NOTE: Martez and Brent are in the house baby!
- Apparently some folks are really bitter about Zook's haul today. NY Times has a huge story with a couple folks insinuating that we're dirty. One of them is former MSU coach John L. Smith. You know...the guy who slapped himself after we beat them this year and then later was fired. What a bitter man. NOTE: Whoever planted this story needs to buy a clue. If we're dirty, Bruce Weber sure is a terrible cheater.
- I somewhat disagree with Alma Mater. Although injuries make is difficult to gauge where this team should really be and all programs go through down years for one reason or another, after our championship run two years ago, the basketball program should be expected to be a constant in the Top 25 and consistently challenge for the Big Ten title and make a Final Four run every three to four years or so. When the norm becomes the middle of the pack, then we are in trouble because we aren't improving. Maybe my expectations are too high. Discuss.
Labels: Bruce Weber, John L. Smith, Josh Brent, Martez Wilson, Ron Zook
# posted by Chief : 9:58 AM
