NFL preseason schedule for each Illinois football rookie

Jake Hansen

The former Illini three-time team captain and standout linebacker, Jake Hansen, was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent this offseason.

Hansen, who led the nation with his 14 takeaways over the span of two seasons, is listed as the team’s fourth-string strong linebacker.

I could see Hansen easily moving up the team’s depth chart at any of the Texans’ three inside linebacker spots – strong-side, weak-side, or middle – given his consistent dominant Big Ten play during his Illini tenure.

Hansen’s first opportunity will come on Aug. 13 at 7:00 p.m. CT when the Texans open up their preseason slate vs. the New Orleans Saints.

• Vs. New Orleans – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 7:00 p.m. CT
• @ Los Angeles (R) – Friday, Aug 19 @ 9:00 p.m. CT
• Vs. San Francisco – Thursday, Aug 25 @ 7:15 p.m. CT

James McCourt

The Illini record-holder for the most 50+ yard field goals in school history, James McCourt, was swooped up by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.

While at Illinois, McCourt was an efficient kicker. He made 83 out of 84 extra points. During his senior year, he hit 18 out of 23 field goals as well, which comes out to 78.3%.

The hero in Illinois’ 2019 win over No. 6 Wisconsin will battle nine-year NFL veteran Dustin Hopkins for the team’s starting kicker position. If unable to win the starting spot, the odds of the Chargers keeping a second kicker are slim to none.

Along with training camp and practices, McCourt will get three preseason games to attempt to beat out Hopkins.

• Vs. Los Angeles (R) – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 9:00 p.m. CT
• Vs. Dallas – Saturday, Aug 20 @ 9:00 p.m. CT
• @ New Orleans – Friday, Aug 26 @ 7:00 p.m. CT