No. 12: Taylor Barton, DB
Why he’s important: No questions about whether he’ll hold onto his starting strong safety spot this year. Tackling issues in 2013 caused Barton to fall into a backup role and raised questions about how productive he could become in 2014. The Florida native answered those questions with his stellar play all season long. The honorable mention All-Big Ten pick compiled 100 tackles last season, forcing two fumbles in the process. He was one of three Illini to hit the 100-tackle plateau last season and could very well do so again.