Illinois football: 3 biggest impact players on the Illini defense
By Jalen Wilson
STATE COLLEGE, PA – DECEMBER 19: Jake Hansen #35 of the Illinois Fighting Illini stares down Will Levis #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 19, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
1. Jake Hansen
The No.1 player on this list should be no surprise. Jake Hansen has made an impact every year he’s started for Illinois. To begin his career, he didn’t have a significant role during his freshman season. He only played six games and made eight tackles.
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In his sophomore season, Hansen saw his role and numbers increase. He ended up playing in all 12 games and recorded 95 tackles to go along with 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection, and 1 fumble recovery.
Hansen’s breakout season came during his junior year. Hansen had 71 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 fumble recoveries, and 7 forced fumbles. He was great at forcing turnovers and stopping the run, but he struggled in pass coverage. To end the season Hansen led the NCAA in forced fumbles.
This past season was, arguably, Hansen’s best statical season. He had 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. Again Hansen was good at forcing turnovers and stopping the run but struggled in pass coverage.
Hansen needs to improve in coverage, which has been his bugaboo during his career thus far. Despite being a liability in coverage, Hansen always finds a way to have an impact on the field. I predict Hansen will have 70 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.
Next. Illini targeting St. Louis with recent scholarship offer. dark
This year, the Illinois football team will have a lot of impact players. I think Adams, Carney, and Hansen will be the three biggest impact players on defense.