Fighting Illini fans of recent generations may not recognize Jack Chamblin’s name, but he has held an instrumental role over several years at the University of Illinois.
Six decades ago, in 1953 and ’54, despite his 5-foot-11, 191-pound frame, Chamblin became a star center for coach Ray Eliot. Though Chamblin was a native of Robinson, Ill., the Illini weren’t his original first choice.
Chamblin was initially recruited to the United States Military Academy. As a 19-year-old, The West Point cadet got caught up in a cheating scandal. Chamblin was innocent, but he was aware of the situation and had discussed incidents with other class members.