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Illinois Football: Profile of the Illini starting defensive backs

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmets during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmets during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Chris Evans (12) rushes chased by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Chris Evans (12) rushes chased by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

SS Patrick Nelson

A member of the class of 2015 who Lovie helped guide into a great player is Patrick Nelson. This kid came into the Illini program with some high expectations.

Nelson was one of the better players the former Illinois regime snagged from the class of 2015. He was an in-state prospect from Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago, Illinois. He was rated as a three-star recruit who was the No. 980 player in the class of 2015 and the No. 69 safety in the nation.

Illinois ended up beating out some talented teams for Nelson’s services as well. They received a good player and Lovie helped turn him into a great defensive back.

Nelson didn’t get a chance to take the field during his freshman campaign. He tore his ACL in practice and didn’t play a snap in 2015. He ended up redshirting his freshman season and then in 2016 came back stronger than ever.

Lovie used Nelson to his fullest abilities last season. He played in every game for the Illini and even started six times on defense. He finished the year with 75 tackles which was third on the team.

Nelson is now a redshirt sophomore and will be the main strong safety on the team. He is one of the leaders in the Illinois secondary, and he will be another young player Lovie can continue to mold for the future.

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