URBANA — He is one the highest-ranked players in the Illinois freshman class. Circumstances might force Calvin Avery to show if he can live up to his four stars.
The 6-foot-2, 330-pound defensive tackle from Dallas Bishop Dunne joined a team already thin at his position. When Jamal Milan hurt his knee during practice last week, Avery's role likely increased.
"I'm ready to play," Avery said. "I can't wait to play. It's coming fast."
Like all freshmen, Avery is learning.
"First day was kind of rough for me," he said. "It was a new speed for me.