No. 30: Gimel President, DL
Why he’s important: Jihad Ward wreaked havoc at times last season, enough for the Oakland Raiders to select him in the NFL draft’s second round. Dawuane Smoot registered eight sacks, the most by an Illini since Whitney Mercilus’ dominant season in 2011 that produced 16. Chunky Clements and Rob Bain emerged as bonafide defensive tackles. The point? Defensive line coach Mike Phair had success in his first season at Illinois, and President looks to add to the reputation in what will be his first and only season with the Illini.