Illinois Football Utilizes Transfer Portal Address Defensive Line

Illinois Football Utilizes Transfer Portal to Address Defensive Line

Illinois Football adds their third transfer portal player on the Defensive line with the addition of 7th-year edge rusher, Dennis Briggs Jr. The Kissimmee Florida native was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2018 and pledged his commitment to his home state FSU Seminoles. The transfer lineman gave 6 years of his college career to the Seminoles, before deciding to hit the portal for the Big Ten.

Path to 7 years

7 years is a lot of time to play college football, and Dennis has certainly endured a rollercoaster of a career. Briggs Jr played his most productive season in 2019 as a redshirt freshman, where he stacked 28 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. Briggs was well on his path as a developing defensive lineman for the Noles’. Then, of course, 2020 happened. The pandemic season led to Dennis being able to earn a 6th season of eligibility. As a sense of normal returned in 2021, Briggs Jr suffered a brutal season-ending knee injury. Of course, placed him out of commission for quite some time. Dennis returned for the Seminole’s great run in 2023 and totaled 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Impact

This is now the third Portal addition to the defensive line room for coach Terrance Jamison. Auburn transfer Enyce Sledge and Youngstown State transfer Anthony Johnson will join the room as well from the portal. A much-needed group of additions after losing talents like Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph to the NFL Draft.

Dennis Briggs Jr brings versatility to Illinois. His size and quick twitch give him the ability to be a big-impact interior lineman. During his career at Florida State, Briggs Jr totaled 78 tackles, 9.5 TFL 6 sacks, and 2 fumbles. The film shows that Briggs can be a really good option as a run-stuffing 3 technique. He uses his speed and leverage to beat offensive guards in run-block situations. Of course, run-stuffing is not all that Briggs is capable of. He can certainly be the type of Keith Randolph-esq pass rusher that will bring pressure in the middle, and let your edge rushers eat. Certainly a welcome sight to a room that will look for big seasons from returning edge rushers Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman.