Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, in my opinion, there has only been one player better than Dana Howard in the history of Illinois football. Howard was sensational while with the Orange and Blue and his legacy lives on today.

The career numbers Howard put up with the Illini are incredible. He is the career tackles leader in program history with 595, which is almost 100 more than the next player on the list. In 1991, he set the freshman record in tackles with 147, and I would imagine that it will never be broken.

Howard had 150 tackles in 1992 and 1994, 148 tackles in 1993 and 147 tackles in 1991. Those four seasons rank No. 7, 8, 9 and 10, respectively, in single-season tackles for the Illinois program. He ranks No. 5 and No. 6 in single-game tackles with 24 and 23, respectively. He also led the team in tackles all four years he was with the program.

The great numbers Howard put up earned him national recognition. He was a First-Team All-American in both the 1993 and 1994 campaigns. The 1994 season was a consensus selection as well. His great play also helped the Illini make the John Hancock, Holiday and Liberty Bowl.

Howard was a defensive specialist. He was a great player the Illini were able to pluck from East St. Louis. There is still a strong tie to that school today. His great play will always be honored with the Orange and Blue.