Illinois Football: Three Players Who Could Shine vs Eastern Illinois

Who Will Break Out For Illini Football vs EIU?

At long last, Illinois football is finally back. In what seems like an eternity, the dog days of the offseason are no more. I predict that this home opener will be a sizeable win for Illinois. Additionally, Illini fans will get to watch some new faces break out, and make their presence felt.

Furthermore, here are the three guys who could break out and have a big game against the Panthers.

Credit: John Supinie - Journal Star (9.06.08_

RB – Aidan Laughery

Aidan Laughery is someone who Illini fans have been excited to watch get their chance at more touches. Last season, the Gibson City native was used in rotation as a redshirt freshman. With an array of injuries at the running back position, Laughery offered some speed to the unit. He even scored his first touchdown vs Florida Atlantic in September of the 2023 season.

However, the injury bug eventually even caught up to Aidan. Laughery suffered a knee injury in week 8, which set him out for 3 weeks, before making a short return in the Illini’s season finale.

Now, with Reggie Love III having moved on to Purdue, a window of opportunity has opened up for the sophomore. Illini Football has some monster trucks in the running back unit. However, this Gibson City native brings the track star speed. Potentially, he is Illinois football’s home run hitter in the unit. Could he break one or two long ones vs the Panthers?

Dennis Briggs Jr.

A guy that I find myself cheering hard for is graduate transfer Dennis Briggs Jr. Briggs has faced his fair share of adversity over his long college career.

The 7-th year senior defensive lineman spent 6 seasons with the Florida State Seminoles, before making the decision to move on to Illinois football. Briggs Jr had a rollercoaster of a career in the Sunshine State.

His best season was in 2019 as a redshirt freshman. Dennis was able to record 28 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Unfortunately, in 2021, Briggs Jr suffered a brutal season-ending knee injury. Which, of course, put his football career on hold, until he returned for the Seminole’s great run in 2023.

Of course, in the middle of all of this was COVID, which actually worked in Dennis’s favor, as he earned an extra season of eligibility.

Certainly, he was a much-needed addition to the fighting Illini, as the biggest question mark of the 2024 squad appears to be the defensive lineman. A proven, vocal leader could be just what the Doctor ordered for DL coach Terrance Jamison. If he can stay healthy, which would remain my biggest concern, the guy has a real shot at being a leader for Illini Football.

If he is at full strength, and as powerful as he can be, Dennis will be a lot for the Eastern Illinois offensive line to handle. Furthermore, I think he can have an exciting welcome party in Champaign.

DB – Matthew Bailey

Matt Bailey is not a new face to Illini Football, but hear me out.

We got to see him break out once during his freshman season, on an 8-5 bowl team. He was a key rotational player, in quite possibly the best defensive backs unit in the nation in 2022. The Moline native stepped up when needed, and was a more than reliable depth piece.

Bailey showed flashes of stardom and built major anticipation going into his sophomore season. Unfortunately, an early season shoulder injury suffered against Penn State sidelined the young defensive back for the remainder of the season. Undoubtedly, Aaron Henry’s defense felt the effects of his loss, and the secondary unit struggled in 2023.

However, according to the Illini staff, Bailey is back to being full strength and has looked good during camp. With his size and NFL-caliber athleticism, I see this sophomore showing out against Eastern Illinois. The Panthers passing unit was not the strength for QB Pierce Holley in 2023, which presents an opportunity for Bailey to make some big plays. It would be great to see the talented DB re-introduce his presence to Illini Nation on Thursday night.

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