Why he’s important: Many folks bemoaned the fact Teko Powell didn’t use a redshirt season in 2012 as a true freshman. Tim Beckman has indicated he wishes he didn’t feel like he had to play the talented defensive tackle out of Miami in that forgettable season for the Illini. Put Illinois fans in a room now and ask if they are glad Powell played three years ago, and a resounding yes would probably ring through. Powell used a redshirt season last fall after a nagging foot injury cost him the majority of the season. The same foot injury that caused him to miss two games in 2013 and most of spring practices in 2014 and 2015 flared up again.
Best of Illini: No. 11, Teko Powell
