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Illinois Football: 6 Illini players who will benefit the most from Bret Bielema

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 30, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 10: Offensive lineman Doug Kramer #65 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks over the line against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

3. OL All of Them

The Illinois offensive line was pretty special last season, and despite losing one of the most important pieces in Kendrick Green, the Illini are returning most of their talent for 2021.

The Numbers

It is honestly hard to show offensive line numbers. You can take a peek at the rushing numbers from Bret Bielema’s coaching history. He has had various 1,000-yard rushers. In every season but one, Coach Bielema has had a running back go over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage. This is something Illinois has done just three times in the last 12 seasons.

Protecting the quarterback is something that Coach Bielema has helped instill in his offensive linemen too. He has ranked in the top 20 nationally in sacks allowed per game and was even No. 2 in the nation in 2013 with Arkansas.

Talent Development

The talent that Coach Bielema has developed and sent to the NFL is ridiculous. Offensive tackle Joe Thomas spent one season at Wisconsin and was the third overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He would go on to be a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and a six-time All-Pro. He will be in the Hall of Fame as well.

After Thomas, a plethora of other offensive linemen went in the NFL Draft. In the 12 seasons of coaching, Coach Bielema has had 13 offensive linemen selected in the NFL Draft with five going in the first round. Those are impressive numbers that should bode well for the current Illinois offensive line.

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