2006 Statistics

The fruition of sophomore Juice Williams is what everyone is banking on, and honing his huge amount of raw talent is the key for the Illini offense to become the multi-dimensional weapon it is designed to be. Coaches let the then-true freshman start nine games last year, allowing the Chicago product to work out many kinks and be the better for it this time around. Williams’ decision making has improved, and his huge arm will likely be leaned upon more if the spring game is any indication. This kid is everything since he is also their most utilized runner – the drop-off to reserve Eddie McGee is huge, and the Illini would definitely lose more games if he was forced to take over. One reason Illinois had the best Big Ten running game was due to rotating backs, and this year, the Mendenhall brothers – Rashard and Walter – are the two top candidates. Both are sizable, between-the-tackle runners. The new RB recruits will definitely get their chances with little behind the Mendenhalls. The biggest reason for them having the nation’s No.10 rushing ranking was in-state prep wrestling champ (215lbs.) Russ Weil. You can follow this fullback to know which way they will run when they are in two-back sets, but stopping them, even with such knowledge, is a challenge with Weil lead blocking. The line was weak this spring around the edges, and that is a surprise with two returning starters at tackle (though also a testament to their depth at DE). Still, though Miles and Millingham are evidently better run blockers, Williams’ emergence as a passer means outside protection could be a weakness. Jon Asamoah has emerged from the recent youth movement as the leading contender for the start at guard, and his quickness in pulling situations will improve lateral play development. O’Donnell and McDonald return to make this a decent starting five, but the next unit doesn’t show nearly the same prowess. The receivers that return are decent – Chris James has developed into this offense well, reacting now more than having to think about his actions; state prep high jump champ (6’10” best) Kyle Hudson has developed into their go to guy after being named Illini Rookie of the Year (2005); longtime PAT holder Frank Lenti uses his 6’2 frame well enough to earn the start in three-receiver sets; and Jacob Warren is a viable field-stretching tool and potential superstar with Williams’ propensity to throw deep. But it has been the impact of this year’s No.2 WR prospect, Arrelious Benn, that has everyone talking. Benn is being called a difference maker for the offense, so expect to see him right away and throughout the ’07 campaign as they learn how to fit him in with Williams. TE Jeff Cumberland was another true frosh who impressed last year – at 6’5, he is great over the deep middle. The use of multi-receiver sets will come more into vogue as Williams becomes a steadier passer. Moreover, whether he improves this way or not should make the difference between which side of .500 they land.

The Illini defense did many things right last year…but the one thing they couldn’t contain was opponent scoring. The DBs, coach Zook’s specialty, were strong and only allowed 11 passing TDs. But the front seven, even though they allowed only 3.3 yards per carry, let 19 TDs get by them. This, along with an abysmal turnover ratio (only gained 20 TOs and ranked 117th for TO-margin), translated into their 91st ranking for scoring defense, an aberration when you consider that Illinois’ ranking for total defense (based on yards) was 33rd. Another thing line coach Tom Sims accomplished in his first year was slicing over 110 yards per game off of foes’ rushing average(s). The ends, as we noted in the offensive section, are solid throughout their reserves (three deep). Derek Walker is looking to have a standout junior year, but if he doesn’t, expect starting bookend Doug Pilcher (as well as Davis and James, who had a HUGE spring) to do so with opponents concentrating on Walker. The tackles are just as talented and important, seeing how both starters finished in the top 10 for team tackles. Senior ex-LT Chris Norwell (12.5 tackles for loss) will lead this line to even greater heights, even if his backups aren’t quite at the same level as those of the DEs. The LBs are all returning starters, and fifth-year senior J Leman leads them after leading the Big Ten in tackles per game in ’06 (had 12.7, third-best in the nation…also has 19 TFLs…he had 191 total tackles as a prep senior!) Fellow senior OLB Antonio Steele is also great in both run-support and when dropping into coverage since he plays light, like a safety. Five-star prospect Martez Wilson has to see reps with his upside – recruited as an end, this Chicago native’s abilities, due to his 100m/200m sprint speed, have him pushing incumbent Brit Miller for MLB reps (Leman’s totals could get buffered since Wilson had 240 tackles as a prep senior himself, as well as nearly 25 yards per catch as a wideout!) With him and Leman competing for stats, this could become one of the conference’s/nation’s best corps. Still, the reserves did miss a lot of tackles in spring, so injuries could be damaging if excessive. The secondary has a young set of corners, but that isn’t a knock whatsoever. Vontae Davis is only a soph, but what he proved as a true freshman is his ability to both shut down his assignment and make the tackle every time he is close to the ball. But with foes sure to throw away from him, classmate Trevor Bellamy will pile up some impressive stats with abilities close to those of Davis. Chris Duvalt headlines the rest of the youth movement at corner, one that ominously contrasts with the situation(s) at safety. The two-deep behind them is full of upperclassmen, and although Mitchell and Harrison are quality tacklers, only Harrison shows much propensity in coverages. Bellamy playing deep center would bolster that dimension, especially with so many new faces eager to show their wares in his place. The DBs ranked 31st in both major passing categories, so returning three of their four starters should equal an even better result, right? The same goes for the entire team’s breakdown – their No.33 total defense should improve with nine starters back. But the range in quality from first- to second-team (save at DE and CB) was pretty substantial this spring, so seeing will be believing for defensive improvements in this ever-toughening conference.