Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

There have been quite a few legendary linebackers come through the Illinois program. Some of the linebackers you will see later on this list. But one of the more recent players to suit up for the Orange and Blue was J Leman.

Leman was a solidly rated recruit coming out of high school. He was rated as a three-star linebacker who was the No. 795 player in the class of 2003 and the No. 56 inside linebacker in the nation. He was a great pickup for the Illini and one who would pay dividends down the road.

You will find Leman’s name on multiple record lists. He is No. 6 in single-season tackles with 152. He is No. 6 in career tackles with 407. Leman is No. 6 in career tackles for loss with 38.5. He is No. 7 in career forced fumbles with 6. Leman was also a two-time captain of the team and a consensus First-Team All-American in 2007.

That 2007 season was special as well. Leman helped lead the Illini to the Rose Bowl game for the first time in decades. His presence on the football field was something to marvel at. Without him on the defensive side of the ball, we are likely to miss out on the Rose Bowl. He was a great player on that Rose Bowl team and his legacy as one of the best will never be forgotten.