The Fighting Illini are looking to charter a new course with their defensive line after struggling in 2023 and Bret Bielema is thrilled about witnessing a renewed line led by Dennis Briggs Jr.
They finished the season ninth in the Big Ten in rushing defense after ranking third the previous year. They also dropped from third to eighth in PFF's in rush defense grading.Going into this year, coach Bret Bielema is excited to see a revitalized unit. It begins with Florida State transfer Dennis Briggs Jr., who had 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season.
Other transfers include senior Gentle Hunt from Florida A&M as well as sophomore Enyce Sledge from Auburn. The veterans of the system include senior nose tackle TeRah Edwards, sophomore Alex Bray and redshirt freshman Jeremiah Warren."TeRah was a transfer to us two years ago out of Northwestern whose literally turned into one of our defensive leaders, really impressed with him," Bielema said.Here was defensive line coach Terrence Jamison's assessment of the unit during the spring:
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