CHAMPAIGN — Milo Eifler knew the deal when he transferred last season from Washington to Illinois. Playing in 2018 wasn't an option.
So, he turned sitting out into a positive. The linebacker from Berkeley, Calif., learned Lovie Smith's defense and got his injured right shoulder repaired. Two birds, one stone. Actually, four birds.
"I got to know my teammates and I got to focus on school," Eifler said. "I got a fresh start."
Lots of good came during Eifler's downtime.
What was the bad?
"I didn't get to play football," Eifler said. "It was hard for me.