Writing Illini
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Illinois Football: Illini Mount Rushmore for the football program

By Rees Woodcock

(Original Caption) Red Grange, (extreme right in front), leading his warriors to battle the University of Chicago was the scene at Memorial Stadium. In the front row and left to right are-- Bubbles Mittenwallner, Chuck Kassel, and Earl Britton. Illinois won.
(Original Caption) Red Grange, (extreme right in front), leading his warriors to battle the University of Chicago was the scene at Memorial Stadium. In the front row and left to right are-- Bubbles Mittenwallner, Chuck Kassel, and Earl Britton. Illinois won. /
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Illinois football
Dick Butkus played linebacker for the Chicago Bears. /

The Illinois football team has had some talented players and coaches come through Champaign that have shaped the program.

Out of all the legendary players and coaches, who would don the Mount Rushmore of Illinois football? That is the fun discussion some people continue to have about their favorite sports team. Who are the four players or coaches who have impacted the team the most?

There are about three players or coaches who I think are obvious ones for the Illinois football program. Those three will be on the list because they are done some incredible things for the team. Their legendary status will continue throughout time.

The fourth member of this Mount Rushmore is the toughest. Who has earned that coveted spot? There are so many players you could name that have an argument to be up there. I took multiple factors into account as well.

I have on-field stats counting as a portion. I have the accolades players have racked up during their time in Champaign as a factor. I think bowl record and team success is another factor. There are just so many names but I had to narrow it down to four with two honorable mentions.

Here is the Illini Mount Rushmore for the football program.

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