No. 16: Rob Bain, DL
Why he’s important: A pleasant surprise by the midway point of the season, Bain emerged late to become a factor along the interior of the defensive line for the Illini. The Bolingbrook product originally came to Illinois to play along the offensive line, but the Class of 2012 recruit switched to defense prior to the 2013 season. It’s a position he has said he prefers, and his performance late last season affirmed that. Defensive tackles will struggle to post impressive numbers considering they have to deal with the brunt of the offensive line, but Bain managed 29 tackles, including four for loss, and a sack, which came in the Heart of Dallas Bowl against Louisiana Tech.