Isaiah Adams Drafted 71st Overall by Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Adams becomes the first player recruited and signed to Bret Bielema’s Illinois program to be drafted into the National Football League.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
The first player recruited and signed to Illinois by head coach Bret Bielema has been drafted into the National Football League.
Illini DL Johnny Newton Drafted 36th Overall By Washington Commanders
Jer'Zhan Newton had to wait an extra day to hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft but eventually went to the Washington Commanders with the 36th overall pick.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
April 26, 2024
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
Jer'Zhan Newton will begin his professional football career in the nation’s capital.
The Illinois defensive lineman was selected Friday night in the second round with the 36th overall pick. Newton’s pick means the Washington Commanders have taken Illini players in back-to-back years of the second round after they selected defensive back Jartavius ‘Quan’ Martin with the 47th overall pick in the 2023 National Football League Draft.
Newton was hopeful of being selected in the first round Thursday, which would’ve produced back-to-back years with a first round pick for the Illini program for the first time since Corey Liuget was taken No. 18 overall in 2011 and that was followed by Whitney Mercilus going 26th overall along with A.J. Jenkins being selected 30th overall in 2012. Devon Witherspoon was selected No. 5 overall by the Seattle Seahawks last April and used his first professional season to be the last Illinois alum to be named to the Pro Bowl in their rookie campaign since Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dick Butkus. In 13 games played, Witherspoon has recorded 68 tackles, 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown. Witherspoon rotated between playing nickel cornerback and on the boundary but still managed to lead all rookies in passes defensed with 16, good enough for fifth in the league.
Illini Face Double-Digit Stroke Deficit Following Day One of 2024 Big Ten Men’s Golf Championship
Illinois is in tie for fourth and 10 strokes behind first-day leader Northwestern as the Illini try to win its ninth straight league championship.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
If Illinois is going to continue its current streak of eight straight Big Ten men’s golf titles it’ll take a significant comeback effort.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois High School Football Standout Jacob Alexander Enjoys Illini Spring Game
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
April 25, 2024
The Illinois spring football game attracted talented high school prospects, including 2026 prep Jacob Alexander, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge from Frankfort, (IL), from Lincoln-Way East High School.
The Farrell Files Illinois - What's Next After Top 100 DL Target Commits Elsewhere
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 24, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at what’s next for the Illini after the tough loss of DL Nathaniel Marshall.
Illinois Elijah Mc-Cantos Enters Transfer Portal
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting April 23, 2024 […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Illinois Spring Football Recruits Take Notice of Program's Momentum
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
April 23, 2024
The Illinois football team is in a phase of growth, drawing the attention of potential recruits to Champaign ready to see the team firsthand. Illinois recently held its annual spring football game with several key recruits on campus.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Illini in Top 4 for Elite 2025 Player
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 22, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the Illini in the top four for an elite 2025 but also losing out it appears on two big targets.
No QB Problem Leaving Spring - Altmyer & Leary Shine in Illini Spring Game
After the development of projected starter Luke Altmyer and third-year sophomore Donovan Leary, Illinois won’t likely be in the transfer portal market at quarterback.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 20, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — For the first time in the Bret Bielema era, Illinois will leave its spring season not turning to the transfer portal to fill a top two spot on its quarterback depth chart.
Illini’s Spring Emphasis on Physical Old-School Football Will Not Be Represented in Orange-Blue Game
Illinois has tried to regain its physical line-of-scrimmage mentality in its 15 spring practices this season, but the Orange-Blue Spring game will be more of an exhibition of fun than ‘Bielema Ball’.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 20, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Don’t expect to see in the spring game the major emphasis of the Illinois coaching staff throughout the previous 14 spring practices.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Massive Steal from Notre Dame & 2025 4-Star Update
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 19, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll talk about a massive personnel steal from Notre Dame and a couple four stars in the 2025 class.
Illinois Football Faces Departures as Players Enter Transfer Portal
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting & Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 17, 2024
With the transfer portal window opening beginning Tuesday and ending April 30, the Illinois football program has seen necessary attrition in order for Bret Bielema’s program to be active in this offseason.
The Farrell Files Illinois - What to Make of Illini Portal Entries
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 17, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll let you know if you should be concerned about the portal entries and whether DB recruiting needs to take a step forward.
Newton Showcases Just Positional Drills in Pro Day Workout in Champaign
Former Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton will be watching the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on the evening of April 25 in Orlando with nearly 100 friends and family.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Jer'Zhan Newton decided to use his pro day to prove to professional football personnel that quantity in the activity should be valued more than doing the quantity of skill work.
Here’s Johnny: Newton Finally Conducting Pro Day Workout in Champaign This Morning
Former Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton will have his closed pro day workout inside the Irwin Indoor Facility on the University of Illinois campus.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 16, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Jer'Zhan Newton has finally given himself the opportunity to solidify his status as a first-round selection in the 2024 National Football League draft.
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