URBANA — Kendrick Green wasn't thrilled to be one of three true freshmen redshirting the 2017 season while 22 others made their Illinois debuts. But the Peoria native used that time wisely, getting stronger and leaning up his 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame.
Green's redshirt season and work in spring practices also helped him refine his defensive line technique. He was ready to contribute, finally, this fall.
Green will contribute — just not on the defensive line as he might have expected just five months ago.
A post-spring ball conversation with the Illinois coaching staff was the first time the idea of a position switch was broached.