CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- When Illinois defensive end Dawuane Smoot met with Lovie Smith for the first time in March, Smith had this message for him: "I want to make you a first-rounder."
Naturally, Smoot took an instant liking to his new head coach. The feeling was mutual. If there's one potential superstar on Smith's first Illini defense, it's Smoot.
The senior had a breakout season in 2015, leading the team with eight sacks, 15 tackles and three forced fumbles. His numbers dwarfed those of teammate Jihad Ward, who has been projected as a possible second-round NFL draft pick this weekend.