Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

Throughout the history of the Illinois football program, the defense has produced some incredible talent. Each team has had great defensive players don the Orange and Blue. In the early 2010s, it was Whitney Mercilus who terrified offenses.

Mercilus was a beast at defensive end. He came into the program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 699 player in the class of 2008 and the No. 36 strong-side defensive end in the nation. He surpassed his recruiting rankings, though.

The 2011 campaign was the pinnacle for Mercilus during his time with the Illini. That season alone etched his name in the Illinois record books. He currently is No. 3 in single-season tackles for loss with 22.5 tackles. He sits at No. 5 all-time in quarterback sacks with 18 sacks.

Mercilus tied Simeon Rice for the most quarterback sacks in a season with 16 sacks. He is second all-time in career forced fumbles with 11 fumbles and leads in single-season forced fumbles with nine fumbles.

That great 2011 season was huge for Mercilus. Not only did he set records for the Illini, but he was also honored with a consensus First-Team All-American selection. His great play for that one season set him apart from some of the greats to come through the program. That is why he sits at No. 15 on this list.