RANTOUL — The allegations of abuse and mistreatment spewed forth by former Illini Simon Cvijanovic against the program caught many off guard.
Free safety Taylor Barton included.
“I don’t think anybody saw it coming,” Barton said. “It was a surprise.”
The statements above could describe how Barton played in 2014, too. Going into last season, it was questionable whether Barton could hold onto a starting spot once he was benched midway through the 2013 season.
He not only held onto it but the Florida native also earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Ranking 11th in the league in tackles per game at 8.