Illinois Football: Top 3 Illini performers in the loss to Kansas

2. Jer’Zhan Newton

• Stats: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss

Many expected Jer’Zhan Newton to have a big season. He finished 2022 as a second-team All-American by many outlets, and he entered the 2023 campaign as a preseason first-team All-American.

Newton didn’t have a good week one, though. In the first game of the season, Newton amassed two total tackles. He couldn’t get to the ball carrier, and he seemed a step behind the opposing offense. It was arguably his worst game as a member of the Illinois football program.

On Friday night against Kansas, it was a different story. Newton looked like the All-American defensive lineman who is projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

Newton finished the Kansas game with six tackles, all of which were solo. He also had two sacks and two tackles for loss on the night.

Something that doesn’t show in the box score is hustle. Newton was putting in full effort on every play against Kansas. He was in the backfield constantly, and this put pressure on Jalon Daniels to throw the ball. One time, it even resulted in an interception by the Illini.

That hustle didn’t go unnoticed. Newton was everywhere on the field. It seemed like every play, Newton was making a tackle or at least driving the ball carrier into the arms of another Illinois player who would make the tackle. Newton ran sideline to sideline so many times.

Illinois needs this Newton in every game for the rest of the season. He was big for the Illini on Friday night. This kid is a special player.