Football season is almost here! In just 33 days Illinois will be facing off against Kent State at Memorial Stadium. Over the next few weeks, The Champaign Room will be previewing the 2015 season with position previews, player profiles, biggest storylines, and more. Make sure to check back each day for something new.
First up is our position preview series, where we'll examine the strength and weaknesses of each group on the field. Today we'll be kicking things off by taking a closer look at Jihad Ward and the Fighting Illini defensive linemen.
Position Overview
Returning Starters: Jihad Ward, Jarrod Clements, Teko Powell (injured all of last year), Dawaune Smoot
Key Losses: DeJazz Woods
Other Returners: Kenny Nelson, Rob Bain, Joe Fotu, Tito Odenigbo, Paul James III, Caroll Phillips, Henry McGrew
Newcomers: Jamal Milan, Sean Adesanya
In February, the Illini hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant Mike Phair to be the program's new co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.