Illinois Football to add key piece to improved secondary

The Illini Add Depth to The Secondary

Illinois Football coach Bret Bielema made an exciting announcement at Thursday’s (9/12) open media availability session in Champaign. According to the Illini Head coach, their improved secondary unit just got a little bit stronger.

Defensive back Tyler Strain is cleared to play in Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Central Michigan. The Junior has recently been nursing an injury he picked up in camp. Certainly, after having missed 6 games from the 2023 season with an oblique injury, Tyler is ready to hit the Memorial Stadium turf once again.

Defensive Coordinator Aaron Henry appears to be comfortable with his current starters in the secondary. Furthermore, guys like formerly projected starter Tyler Strain and Texas Transfer Terrance Brooks are set to duke it out for reps. Of course, this is great for the depth in Illinois defense backs unit, because, as the old saying goes “Iron Sharpens Iron.”

Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; The Illinois fighting Illini take the field against the Eastern Illinois Panthers during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Quote From Bielema

Certainly, coach Bielema appears to be excited about Strain’s return. Tyler is a guy that Bret and Aaron have persistently praised, and was projected as a starter by many. His return to the unit as “full go” is exciting news, and can only make Illinois defense a little better.

“From a health standpoint, we are probably going to be healthier than we were last week,” says the Illini head coach. “T-Strain, he played a couple of snaps last week on special teams, but, he’ll be playing from scrimmage,”

Undoubtedly, the coach is happy to see #20 back in action for Illinois Football. Currently, the offense is a sore subject for Jim McElwain and the Chippewas. Furthermore, Tyler is going to have a chance to get back into the action, with a change to make an impact.

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