Mercilus: Lost Finger Key to Success

Fighting Illini football coach Tim Beckman hired eight new assistants. The lone holdover from the previous regime is defensive line coach Keith Gilmore, who has enjoyed tremendous success developing talent in his area. While he loses star end Whitney Mercilus to the NFL draft, he is excited about his returning players.

The Fighting Illini football team continues to recruit the state of Florida heavily. Among those receiving early interest is Lake Highland Prep defensive end Landon Stokes. The son of former NFL defensive end Fred Stokes has a bright future, and the Illini hope their signing of teammate Taylor Barton will help in his recruitment as well.

The state of Illinois does not always produce a large number of defensive backs. The good ones are recruited nationally, making recruitment to their home state school problematic. But Thornton defensive back Jalen Banks has a strong interest in the Fighting Illini, in part because of their top-rated Engineering school.

The Fighting Illini basketball team needs confidence only a win can provide. After losing 8 of their last 9 games, confidence is a fragile and elusive commodity. But if Illini players hope to uplift their spirits, they will have to do it at the expense of Ohio State on its home court Tuesday. After losing at Illinois plus two of their last three games, the Buckeyes will be out for blood.

The Fighting Illini football team had a strong defense last season, and seven starters return. There are some quality players at the two inside linebacker positions, giving new linebacker coach Mike Ward a great starting point for 2012. Ward is beginning to settle in to his new job. He talks about the transition and his coaching role in part one of a two-part interview.

Here’s a rundown of some NFL prospects expected to test well at the NFL Scouting Combine this week courtesy of National Football Post. The list includes players at multiple positions. The one I find most interesting is Illinois pass rusher Whitney Mercilus. Known as a physical freak it’s not surprising to see him on this list. Knocked for being a one-year wonder it’...

The Fighting Illini open play at the YMBL Cardinal Classic against Gonzaga on Friday at noon Central Time.

The Fighting Illini wrap up action at the YMBL Cardinal Classic against Lamar on Sunday.

Former Illinois basketball player Jereme Richmond has agreed to a contract with the Sauk Valley Predators of the Premier Basketball League as the former prep star attempts to get his career and life back on track.

Eight members of the Fighting Illini swimming and diving team will travel to West Lafayette, Ind., this weekend to compete at the NCAA Last Chance Meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. CT.