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Each year in college football, there is a great story where some team will have a hidden gem, which means the coaching staff defied the star system and saw talent.

That is the case with the most recent Illinois commit T.J. Griffin.  The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back was recently offered by Illinois and he proudly accepted it and is ready to let people know who he is.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The rotation piece role that Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk has carved out for the rest of this 2021-22 season is a product of two things being true.

Yes. Illinois has been playing without consensus first-team All-America center Kofi Cockburn and this forced Illini coaches to turn to Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk for more minutes. Yes. Bosmans-Verdonk has used this opportunity to further force Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and this Illini coaching staff to use him as a rotational bench piece once Cockburn returns to the lineup following the conclusion of his three-game NCAA-mandated suspension.

Mike Cagley, IlliniGuy November 13, 2021 The Illini began […]

Illinois got a spark from a pair of first half technicals, turning a 6-point lead into a 22-point halftime lead and cruised to a dominating 92-53 win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Coleman Hawkins had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Jacob Grandison scored 15 and Trent Frazier added 12 as Illinois improved to 2-0. Andre Curbelo had 8 points and 7 assists in his return from concussion protocol. 

Arkansas State got 15 from Marquis Eaton and fell to 1-1. 

The Illini passed their first test with flying colors, but now get a road test at Marquette as they attempt to go 3-0 without All-American Center Kofi Cockburn. Here’s what we learned: 

Coleman Hawkins recorded his first career double-double and Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier made their delayed season debut as 11th ranked Illinois breezed past visiting Arkansas State, 92-53.

The Red Wolves (1-1) were expected to give the Illini a tough test when the schedule was first announced and that was even with the Orange and Blue at full strength.  But even with All-American center Kofi Cockburn serving the second of a three-game NCAA suspension and top reserve Austin Hutcherson still out with a tailbone injury, the Illini proved to be no match for the visitors.

In 51 career games at Utah over the last two previous seasons, Alfonso Plummer never had to worry about handling the ball and his assist totals. 

Upon his arrival to Illinois, which was predicated upon his ability to shoot the basketball, Illini head coach Brad Underwood was determined that he and his staff begin Plummer’s transformation into a multi-talented player. 

Once the Illini’s two primary ball-handlers (Andre Curbelo and Trent Frazier) were lost before the 2021-22 season opener due to various injuries, showcasing and developing Plummer’s point guard ability suddenly went from a pet project to a priority. 

IlliniGuys.com Staff November 12, 2021 After three months on […]

Connor Cagley, IlliniGuys Basketball Writer November 12, 2021 The […]

Illinois added its first in-season commitment Monday with Terrell Jones from football powerhouse Hoover, Alabama.  Jones is a late blooming defensive end who fills a real hole in this year's recruiting class after the loss of defensive end Brian Allen.  And, while I was disappointed to lose a solid player in Allen, I think Illinois came out on top with his replacement in Jones.

What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?

Friday night, Arkansas State will give it a try.

The Red Wolves run north to face the Illini for the first time ever. They beat Division II Harding in their season opener Tuesday night, 81-55.

The man to watch for Arkansas State is Norchard Omier, who did his best Kofi Cockburn impression last season.  The Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and all-Sun Belt Conference player tied Cockburn for 2nd nationally with 15 double-doubles, which was also the highest total for a freshman...

Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst

November 9, 2021

If you've been reading this report through the year, then this week's big win over Minnesota shouldn't have been a big surprise.

Less than a month after quickly sending out an offer to 2022 Chicagoland athlete Timothy “TJ” Griffin, the Amos Alonzo Stagg H.S. product made an immediate commitment decision.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 11, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Timothy Griffin certainly didn’t need a lot of time to make his decision to verbally commit to the University of Illinois football program.

Illinois assistant coach Chester Frazier helps his alma mater reload at the guard position with two early signees who he primarily recruited for several years. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 11, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Chester Frazier sat in the back of the State Farm Center media room soaking in his boss' talking points about his long-term recruiting efforts that were able to instantly help his alma mater. 

Mike Cagley, IlliniGuy November 10, 2021 The season is […]

In a 71-47 win where Illinois was down its top two ball-handlers and its National Player of the Year candidate in Kofi Cockburn, Coleman Hawkins versatility was showcased.

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

November 10, 2021

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Let’s hope Illinois fans got a good look at point forward Coleman Hawkins during its season opener because the Illini coaches never want to see it again.