Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the start of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

Mercilus was picked by the Houston Texans with the 26th pick as a possible replacement for Mario Williams who signed with the Buffalo Bills in the offseason, and Jenkins was picked by the 49ers with the 30th pick and will be one of Alex Smith’s go to guys in the passing game for seasons to come.

It did not surprise many that these great players were taken early in the draft. Both were standouts in college, Mercilus led the nation in sacks and fumbles forced in the 2011 and Jenkins led the Big Ten in receptions. These players are two of the last five who have been drafted in the first round since 2008, The others being Vontae Davis, Rashard Mendenhall, and Corey Liuget.

The NFL Draft will continue on Friday night with the second and third rounds.

Jenkins, Mercilus Taken in First Round - Writing Illini - Writing Illini - An Illinois Fighting Illini Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

June 5, 2011; Fullerton, CA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer after the Fighting Illini scored in the eighth inning of the Fullerton regional of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament against the Cal State Fullerton Titans at Goodwin Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The tennis team lost its 7th match of the year and 4th in the last 6 matches to Indiana 5-2 on Friday, despite Senior Dennis Nevolo winning in both singles and doubles. The #20 duo of Nevolo and senior Roy Kalmanovich didn’t allow the Hoosiers to sweep the Illini in doubles play by winning 8-4. Illinois final regular season match is Sunday against Purdue, and will go on to the Big Ten Tournament after that beginning on April 26th.

#20 Tennis team loses to Indiana - Writing Illini - Writing Illini - An Illinois Fighting Illini Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

June 3, 2011; Fullerton, CA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini pitcher Kevin Johnson (22) pitches against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the first inning of the Fullerton regional of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament at Goodwin Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday, the Fighting Illini found themselves down 5-0 after an inning and a half. Illinois State First Baseman Zac Johnson hit a two run homerun in the first, but the bullpen came back to give the team a chance to win. Drasen Johnson came in and provided 5 and 1/3 scoreless innings. Overall the bullpen pitched 7 and 2/3 scoreless innings, and opened the door for the Illini offense.

Willie Argo went 2-4 and had three RBIs and a run and despite his poor pitching performance in the first, Reid Roper stayed in the game as a DH and went 3-4 with an RBI and a run. Willie Argo, Justin Parr, and Brandon Hohl put together a string of singles, all part of a three run 6th inning that gave the Illini the lead and the eventual win, Coach Hartleb’s 200th of his career.

It was more of the same today as the Illini put up runs late towards the end of the game to defeat Eastern Illinois University 5-2. Josh Ferry pitched seven scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits and gave most of the Illini bullpen a much deserved rest. Illinois scored three insurance runs in the 8th inning that proved to be crucial because Eastern Illinois put up two in the 9th which would have tied the game. Justin and Jordan Parr lead the Illini offense with a combined three hits, three RBIs and one run scored.

Next up the Illini face the Ohio State Buckeyes in a three game set at home, starting on Friday.

Illini End Four Game Losing Streak, Win Two Straight - Writing Illini - Writing Illini - An Illinois Fighting Illini Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.