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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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Sep 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls cornerback Ronnie Hoggins (19) brings down Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Mike Dudek (18) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls cornerback Ronnie Hoggins (19) brings down Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Mike Dudek (18) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mike Dudek

The No. 2 player on this list flashed a lot of potential but injuries made him a “what could have been” player. Mike Dudek played four years for the Illini in the 2010s. The expectations were not high for him coming into Champaign, though.

Dudek’s freshman year was one the best years an Illinois fan has seen from a freshman. Dudek caught 76 passes for 1,038 yards and 6 touchdowns. He got involved in the running game as well getting 6 carries for 73 yards.

Dudek accomplished a lot in his freshman season. He was the fourth Illini receiver to go over 200 receiving yards in a game, and he led Big Ten freshmen in receptions and receiving yards. He was also named a freshman first-team All-American, and he was named second-team All-Big Ten.

Sadly, Dudek didn’t get to follow up on his great freshman season due to him tearing his ACL two seasons in a row. After recovering from his ACL injuries, Dudek was cleared to play his redshirt junior year. That season Dudek caught 24 passes for 262 yards and 1 touchdown. Dudek played seven games before suffering two separate injuries that kept him out the last five games of the season.

After recovering from injuries again, Dudek decided to come back to Illinois for one more season. That season was short-lived. In the season opener, he suffered a knee injury. Soon after sustaining that injury, Dudek announced he was done for the season thus ending his career as an Illini.

To end Dudek’s career, he racked up 104 catches for 1,365 yards and 7 touchdowns. Dudek was a talented player who was held back from his full potential on the field due to injuries.

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