No. 43: Dillan Cazley, DB
Why he’s important: Special teams are a key component of teams coached by Lovie Smith. Here is where Cazley has played a vital cog each of the last three seasons. The Charleston graduate, who honed his football skills just down the road from Eastern Illinois University, hasn’t burst through a crowded secondary and separated himself thus far during his time with the Illini. But he has found his way onto the field by contributing in special teams, playing in 35 games mainly for this role. He has 19 career tackles heading into his senior season, but the first commit under Tim Beckman in the Class of 2013 adds experience to a secondary this season that needs to replace three starters.
Top 50 Illini Football Players of 2016: No. 43, Dillan Cazley
