Vitals: 6-2, 220, R-Jr., LB
Hometown: Vernon Hills
High school: Stevenson
Looking back at 2017: Marchese played most of the season on special teams, but a series of injuries to multiple Illinois linebackers opened the door for Marchese to become the first non-scholarship Illini to start a game since Clayton Fejedelem in 2014. Marchese actually made two starts and made the first 18 tackles of his Illinois career.
Looking ahead to 2018: Marchese moved from walk-on to scholarship player after his play on the field last season.