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Illinois Football: Top 5 Illini wide receivers of the 2010s

By Jalen Wilson

ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: A.J. Jenkins #8 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini scores a touchdown against the University of Missouri Tigers during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Tigers defeated the Fighting Illini 23-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: A.J. Jenkins #8 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini scores a touchdown against the University of Missouri Tigers during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Tigers defeated the Fighting Illini 23-13. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – SEPTEMBER 19: Geronimo Allison #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes as leaping catch as M.J. Stewart #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Geronimo Allison

Geronimo Allison was one of the most consistent players during his time in Champaign. Before coming to Illinois, Allison was at Iowa Western Community College. He spent two years there leading the team to an NJCAA title. Allison led Iowa Western in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, which got him noticed by the Illinois football coaching staff.

Allison’s first year went well with the Illini, as he was mainly the second target on the outside behind Mike Dudek. He caught 51 passes for 598 yards and 5 touchdowns. Allison helped get Illinois to the Heart of Dallas Bowl where they lost to Louisiana Tech. He proved he was a red zone target and had reliable hands.

In Allison’s second year, some of his stats made a jump as he was the top target on the outside due to Dudek being injured. Allison caught 65 passes for 882 yards and 3 touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was a game-winner that came against Nebraska. With those stats, Allison made the All-Big Ten honorable mention team.

To end his Illini career, Allison caught a total of 106 passes for 1,480 yards and 8 touchdowns. In just two years, he proved he was one of the more reliable wide receivers for Illinois. Allison went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft but managed to play four years with the Green Bay Packers. Right now, Allison is currently on the Detroit Lions.

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