Draft Scout Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20 Player News, College Football: Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20

Illinois named its five team captains Friday, with redshirt senior linebacker Jake Hansen selected by his teammates for a second straight season. Smith will lean on his newly-minted middle linebacker this season. "I love Jake Hansen," Smith said. "I love all of our players. Sometimes just based on the position a little bit, you may spend a little more time with someone. I'm calling the defensive signals. Jake makes the calls. I spend a little bit more time with him. He's easy to like. He does everything the right way. "It's hard not to buy into a guy like that. As a football coach, you want guys leading your team that are that way. We just named our five captains this past Friday. Jake, for the second year in a row, that means a lot to be selected captain two years in a row." - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#14 ILB) rSr/2022

ILB Jake Hansen, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/22/20 - Doug Kramer, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-2, 299 (DS#9 C) + More +

On Wednesday, the fourth-year starter was named to the Rimington Award Watch List, which goes to the nation's top center. He is the leader of a talented, experienced group of linemen, with four starters back for the second consecutive season. Kramer missed the Redbox Bowl with an injury and it hurt the team's offense in a 35-20 loss to Cal. He is healthy now and showed off his strength during the offseason by pushing his black pickup truck down the street. He also tossed beer kegs in the front yard of his Hinsdale home. Impressive stuff. His work ethic and dedication should keep Kramer among the most important Illini this season. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#9 C) rSr/2022

C Doug Kramer, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/22/20 - Blake Hayes, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-5, 226 (DS#5 P) + More +

The returning Big Ten Punter of the Year is among the leading candidates for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the nation's best player at the position. Hayes led the Big Ten in punting average last season, edging Ohio State's Drue Chrisman and Michigan's Will Hart. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Australian has a strong leg, but is also valued for his accuracy. His ability to pin opponents deep is considered a huge asset for Lovie Smith's defense. Hayes learned many of his skills in his native country, long before he considered trying American football. At his current pace, Hayes will break Steve Weatherford's school record for career average. Hayes is considered the top NFL draft prospect among current college punters. He has already been named a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, which factors in athletic and academic skill, and will leave as one of the best punters in Illini history. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#5 P) rSr/2022

P Blake Hayes, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/20/20 - Jake Hansen, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-1, 239 (DS#14 ILB) + More +

Last year, he was a Butkus Award semifinalist. This year, he is already on the watch list for the honor, named after the former Illini great. His move to middle linebacker should enhance both his statistics and the play of the defense. He will be the quarterback of the unit and pile up a high tackle count after he made 72 tackles in 2019. He has learned well from the Illini coaches, who stress takeaways at every turn. A year ago, despite missing the final four games, he led the nation with seven forced fumbles. That's a skill that doesn't go away. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound product of Tarpon Springs, Fla., is the son of former BYU standout Shad, who is the school's career leader in tackles. Hansen follows a long line of successful linebackers in C-U, a list that includes Dana Howard, Kevin Hardy, John Holecek, Darrick Brownlow, Danny Clark, J Leman, Mason Monheim and, of course, Butkus. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#14 ILB) rSr/2022

ILB Jake Hansen, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/20/20 - Nate Hobbs, Sr/2021, Illinois, 5-11, 196 (DS#45 CB) + More +

The native of Louisville, Ky., came in as a freshman in 2017 and, without the benefit of a redshirt season, jumped immediately into the lineup. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. His junior season was his best at Illinois, with a career-high 67 tackles, and he scored his first touchdown at Illinois on a fumble return against Rutgers last November in Champaign. Considered one of the top draft prospects on the current team, the 6-foot, 195-pound Hobbs has at least nine more games to show scouts his ability. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#45 CB) Sr/2021

CB Nate Hobbs, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/18/20 - Milo Eifler, rSr/2021, Illinois, 6-1, 228 (DS#26 OLB) + More +

Eifler will have to sit out the first half of the game against the Badgers. He will be eligible to return to the field after intermission. Last time the Illini played, way back on Dec. 30 in the Redbox Bowl against Cal, Eifler was ejected from the game for targeting in the second half. By rule, that means he must sit the first half of Illinois' next game. Illinois sports information director Kent Brown confirmed Friday that Eifler will miss the first 30 minutes of the Wisconsin game. At the Redbox Bowl, Cal faced a third-and-4 at the Illinois 25-yard line. Quarterback Chase Garbers threw a short pass to Marcel Dancy, who was hit by Eifler at the 22, short of the line to gain. But Eifler was whistled for targeting on the play. The call was confirmed by the replay official and Eifler was forced to leave the field. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#26 OLB) rSr/2021

OLB Milo Eifler, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/10/20 - Tommy DeVito, rSr/2023, Illinois, 6-1, 210 (DS#18 QB) + More +

Syracuse redshirt junior quarterback Tommy DeVito suffered an injury to his left leg in a home loss to Duke on Saturday, and coach Dino Babers said afterward the injury was "not good." "Based off some of the stuff I've heard, it's not good," Babers said. "We're all pulling for him and we wish him the best. But right now, it's not good." DeVito was sacked early in the fourth quarter and left the field with help from two staff members. He finished watching from the sideline with a boot on and resting on crutches. The redshirt junior has been pounded this season and last. The Orange have allowed 20 sacks in four games this year and last season gave up 50. - AP College Football

(DS#18 QB) rSr/2023

QB Tommy DeVito, Illinois
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

10/10/20 - Brandon Peters, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-5, 228 (DS#15 QB) + More +

Brandon Peters didn't commit to Illinois until mid-June last year. His summer arrival put him behind in some ways. Like finding a place to live. "Last year I was living by myself, so I got really bored sometimes," Peters said. The Illinois quarterback isn't wanting for roommates anymore. Peters now lives with Illinois offensive lineman Doug Kramer, kicker James McCourt (a regular golfing partner this summer) and defensive back Christian Bobak. The new living arrangements simply reinforce how comfortable Peters has become in Champaign. "I feel even more part of the team," Peters said Wednesday morning in a Zoom call with media, his first time talking to reporters since the Illini's loss in the Redbox Bowl in late Decemeber. "Not that I never didn't feel a part of the team, but I feel a closer bond with everybody on the team having this year under my belt. It's all good, comfortable."

Peters' comfort level extends beyond simply living in Champaign. He has a year of experience in offensive coordinator Rod Smith's system and a year of being at the top of the quarterback depth chart for a Big Ten program. The connection Peters developed with Smith could be even more important in an anything-could-happen season in the middle of an ongoing pandemic. They built a rapport early, and that relationship has only strengthened. "Me and Coach Rod, I feel like we've always been on the same page and had that constant communication," Peters said. "That's what you need to be successful." - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#15 QB) rSr/2022

QB Brandon Peters, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/05/20 - Milo Eifler, rSr/2021, Illinois, 6-1, 228 (DS#26 OLB) + More +

The Illini open at No. 19 Wisconsin on Oct. 24 and the Washington transfer figures to stay busy. If it goes the way he hopes, Eifler will have a productive senior season and get drafted by an NFL team. "With everything going on in the country, there will be a lot of eyes on the UI football team this year," Eifler said. "With all the great guys and great transfers and new team that we have, I just feel like we have something special. It's a time to prove it." Eifler enters his second season as a starter. He finished sixth on the team with 63 tackles in 2019. The experience will help Eifler in 2020. "With one year under my belt, I have more confidence," he said. To take the next step, Eifler said he needs to improve his recognition of offensive schemes. He is working on it by watching film and studying tendencies. - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#26 OLB) rSr/2021

OLB Milo Eifler, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

10/01/20 - Brandon Peters, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-5, 228 (DS#15 QB) + More +

How is quarterback Brandon Peters looking? For the second consecutive year, Peters enters the season without the benefit of spring practice at Illinois. It didn't seem to bother him last year. He transferred to Champaign from Michigan in June 2019, long after the spring session ended. And there were no spring drills this year because of COVID-19. So, Peters is rusty, right? Not according to his teammates. "I think he looks great," Illinois tailback Mike Epstein said. "Better than I've seen him. He's more comfortable than ever, having a year under his belt in the system." Peters threw for 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith would like to see Peters improve his completion percentage (55 percent) while cutting his interceptions (eight). "The experience here will help him a lot," Epstein said. "I'm excited to play along with him," tailback Chase Brown added.

Peters was fourth on the team in rushing in 2019 with 213 yards and three scores. That makes him the team's leading returning rusher. "You saw the rushing touchdowns, you saw the dive," Brown said. "He can run the ball." Peters is low key during interview sessions. His teammates see a different side to the Avon, Ind., native. "When he's comfortable, he'll make some jokes and play around," Epstein said. "I don't think you guys see it like him in the locker room with us. But he does keep that calm, cool, collected personality." - News Gazette Tribune

(DS#15 QB) rSr/2022

QB Brandon Peters, Illinois
News Source: News Gazette Tribune
Share/Comment: Here

09/26/20 - Tommy DeVito, rSr/2023, Illinois, 6-1, 210 (DS#18 QB) + More +

Tommy DeVito threw for two scores, Sean Tucker ran for two others, and Syracuse broke out of its offensive doldrums to defeat Georgia Tech 37-20 Saturday for its first win of the season. The game, which was delayed more than 30 minutes while Syracuse players were retested for COVID-19, was the first in the refurbished Carrier Dome. Renovations included a new roof, lighting, air conditioning and a scoreboard. The Orange (1-2, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) scored 17 points off Georgia Tech (1-2, 1-1 ACC) turnovers.

DeVito was 13 of 24 for 192 yards. Tucker, a freshman, had 111 yards on 22 carries and touchdown runs of 38 and four yards. Nykiem Johnson had four receptions for 84 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown, while Taj Harris had three catches for 64 yards, including a 46-yard pass play. Jeff Sims completed 13 of 28 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown for the Yellow Jackets but had four interceptions at the hands of an opportunistic defense. Jahmyr Gibbs, a freshman playing in just his second game for Tech, had 105 yards, the first 100-yard game of his brief career. Dontae Smith had a career-high 75 yards rushing. - Syracuse/AP College Football

(DS#18 QB) rSr/2023

QB Tommy DeVito, Illinois
News Source: Syracuse/AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

08/29/20 - Brandon Peters, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-5, 228 (DS#15 QB) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Brandon Peters, Illinois,...2020 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list...2020 Maxwell Award watch list...152-of-275 passing for 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019...74 carries for 213 yards and three touchdowns in 2019...Fifth in the Big Ten in passing touchdowns (18), eighth in yards per completion (12.4), eighth in points responsible for (126), ninth in completion percentage (55.3), ninth in passing efficiency (128.6), 10th in passing yards (1,884), and 10th in total offense (190.6) in 2019. - Illinois Football

(DS#15 QB) rSr/2022

QB Brandon Peters, Illinois
News Source: Illinois Football
Share/Comment: Here

08/29/20 - Doug Kramer, rSr/2022, Illinois, 6-2, 299 (DS#9 C) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Doug Kramer, Illinois,...2020 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten third team...2020 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten fourth team...2020 Wuerffel Trophy watch list...2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention (coaches)...2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention (media). - Illinois Football

(DS#9 C) rSr/2022

C Doug Kramer, Illinois
News Source: Illinois Football
Share/Comment: Here

08/29/20 - Josh Imatorbhebhe, rSr/2021, Illinois, 6-1, 218 (DS#49 WR) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois,...2020 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten fourth team...2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention (media)...33 receptions, 634 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns in 2019...Second in Illinois history in touchdown receptions in a single season (9), one behind the record of 10 set by David Williams in 1985 and Brandon Lloyd in 2001. - Illinois Football

(DS#49 WR) rSr/2021

WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois
News Source: Illinois Football
Share/Comment: Here

08/29/20 - Nate Hobbs, Sr/2021, Illinois, 5-11, 196 (DS#45 CB) + More +

2021 SENIOR BOWL WATCH LIST: Nate Hobbs, Illinois,...2020 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten third team...2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention (media)...67 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, one interception, one fumble recovery in 2019...Four tackles and a career-high 2.0 TFLs at Michigan State 11/9/19 to help Illinois win 37-34 in the biggest comeback in program history. - Illinois Football

(DS#45 CB) Sr/2021

CB Nate Hobbs, Illinois
News Source: Illinois Football
Share/Comment: Here

Previous 15 Notes

|Back to Page One|

Next 15 Notes

Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 56

Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 57

Illinois Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

** Draft Scout Data **
(Everything Online PLUS)

Support Draft Scout

The Database Engine for NFLDraftScout.com, Draft Scout is being repurposed...Support the Future Development of ScoutNation.com...

Draft Scout Archives

** 2010-2022 Draft Scout Archives **
(Yearly Player Data Exports, Prospect Lists & More)

Draft Scout Future

100% Dedicated and Never Done

80% Innovated

45% Hidden

35% Built

2025 CFB/2025-2029 NFL Draft Scout

2024 CFB/2024-2028 NFL Draft Scout

2023 CFB/2024-2027 NFL Draft Scout

NFL Draft Scout History

2022 Draft Scout

Draft Scout by Conference

2023 Draft Scout Offense

2023 Draft Scout Defense

2022 Draft Scout Offense

2022 Draft Scout Defense

Illinois Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

Support Draft Scout

Draft Scout Archives

Draft Scout Future

Synergization

Did You Know?

Hidden Designs

Future Development