By a few historians, the collection of linebackers produced by the Illinois football program is second to none, and one of the most underrated players among that all-star group is 1960s standout Don Hansen.
A star recruit from Reitz High School in Evansville, Ind., Hansen began his Fighting Illini career as a fullback.
He suffered a knee injury as a freshman and was moved to linebacker in 1963 where he played alongside Dick Butkus for the Big Ten champs.
Hansen earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a junior in 1964, then first-team laurels as a senior in 1965.