Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Maryland

2. Dylan Rosiek continues to impress me

I have seen a lot of talented linebackers come through the Illinois football program. Players like J Leman to Jake Hansen and everyone in between. The Illini have produced linebackers throughout the years.

Illinois has another special linebacker on the roster. I think Dylan Rosiek has a chance to be one of those all-time great players for the Orange and Blue. What he continues to do on the football field is extremely impressive.

In the last three games alone, Rosiek has a total of 24 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections. He is all over the field, and I think the most impressive thing about his game is the fact he is the best tackler on the team.

Rosiek rarely ever misses a tackle. When he does miss one, he at least slows the ball carrier down enough so the rest of the team can get there and make the tackle.

There were so many times throughout the Maryland game where I said wow when Rosiek made a tackle. He saved so many points for the Illinois defense, and this would have been a loss without him on the field.

Rosiek finished the game against the Terrapins with eight tackles and one forced fumble. It felt like he had even more than that, though. I mentioned earlier that Hansen was one of the great Illinois linebackers, well I don’t think it is a coincidence that Rosiek and Hansen are from the same high school in Florida. East Lake High School produces some impressive players.