In his new job as the head coach of Illinois football, Bret Bielema has brought quite a lot over from his days at Arkansas.
He’s brought in one player — former Arkansas tailback Chase Hayden, as a transfer. Hayden followed Alex Collins and Felix Jones as one of only three Arkansas true freshmen to rush for 100 yards or more in his Razorback debut.
Bielema has also hired at least three former Arkansas football players and GAs (see below).
He’s also brought to Illinois plenty of rose-colored optimism, just as he did when he arrived at Arkansas after three consecutive Rose Bowl appearances at Wisconsin.