No. 14: James Crawford, LB
Why he’s important: Went from not starting a game in his first two seasons to making four starts a season ago and playing in all 12 games. His former position, STAR, is no longer a staple of the Illini program like it was under Tim Beckman. But, like any good linebacker, he’ll need to hone his run-stopping skills and improve his pass coverage if he wants to make a major contribution this season. The redshirt junior is poised to start at an outside linebacker spot in a more refined 4-3 defensive scheme under Lovie Smith.