Beat writer Matt Daniels will offer a look at how position battles are faring for Illinois during training camp. Next up, the linebackers:
Who’s back?
B.J. Bello, James Crawford, Eric Finney, Nelson Lugo, Mason Monheim, T.J. Neal, Austin Roberts, Conner Schmidt, Mike Svetina, LaKeith Walls, Tre Watson and Sean White. Monheim is the most experienced of the group as a three-year starter, and Neal returns after starting at middle linebacker last season.
Who’s gone?
Ralph Cooper, Nathan Echard, Jason Goldsmith, Henry McGrew, Zeph Grimes and Earnest Thomas. Cooper and Thomas graduated, with Grimes opting not to return for his final season.