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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Illinois Fighting Illini, 2-6

After a disappointing 2-6 season, the Fighting Illini fired Lovie Smith and replaced him with former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema. Both Bielema and the scouting department have gone about the task of addressing the trenches and secondary. With any coaching change, there is a philosophical change as well.

Bielema hired former Appalachian State offensive coordinator Tony Petersen to the same position. The Mountaineers were one of the best running teams in the Sun Belt and ran the quarterback. New defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has developed a reputation for developing defensive backs in his young career. Walters should help a pass defense that finished 67th in the country the last season.

Here are three players who can have an impact this season

  • Brody Wisecarver, OG: At 6-foot-4 and 317 pounds, Wisecarver already has the size to play at the collegiate level. Bielema and the offensive staff have to love the fact that Wisecarver has started since his freshman year of high school at one of Missouri’s better high school programs. Wisecarver is a nasty blocker who possesses natural strength and can move defenders. The DeSmet High School product is devastating in a phone booth but needs to develop more techniques to be an outstanding college product since he won’t be the best athlete on the field anymore.
  • Jafar Armstrong (Transfer) WR: Armstrong is a huge get for the Illini for several reasons. First, Armstrong provides the offense with versatility as he played both receiver and running back at Notre Dame. As Illinois tries to replace the production of receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe Armstrong could contribute in the passing game. Second, Armstrong is a veteran that offers talented depth and experience that Illinois sorely needs. Finally, as coach Bielema goes about establishing his culture, bringing in a player like Armstrong from a winning program helps set the program’s direction.
  • Eddie Smith (Transfer), S: Eddie Smith went to Alabama and could not crack the rotation because of the immense talent in Tuscaloosa. Smith, a fast, ball-hawking defensive back, has an opportunity to fit well at Illinois. Smith has good speed and has spent the past three years in one of the best developmental programs in the country. At worst, Smith comes in and provides talent depth and could be a culture builder for Bielema.
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