2. Illinois might have a draft pick in David Olano
There have been plenty of great kickers to come through the Illinois football program. There is one right now in Chase McLaughlin, who is still kicking and making a career in the NFL.
Illinois has another special kicker on our hands. David Olano, week in and week out, continues to show why he is the starter and one of the best kickers in the country.
Against Purdue, Olano was a perfect 5-of-5 with his longest being 45 yards. It has gotten to a point with this kid where I think he is going to make any field goal that is put in front of him.
Last season, Olano was 17-of-20. This season, he has already started 11-of-12. This includes a massive field goal to win the game over No. 21 USC.
Kicking in the NFL grows by the season. There are so many talented kickers, and it is becoming more and more important to have a great kicker. This leaves a ton of hope for Olano.
There have been four Illinois kickers selected in the NFL Draft. The last kicker taken was back in 2000 when Neil Rackers went in the sixth round to the Cincinnati Bengals.
I truly believe Olano could be the next great Illinois kicker at the next level. He keeps showing us that he is great at his job, and there is a long career ahead of him with the leg he has.