Adam Walton will once again anchor the FIghting Illini's infield, a year after starting every game at shortstop and batting leadoff. Walton is joined by returners Michael Hurwitz, who missed all of 2015 with an injury, and Zack Kolakowski as potential middle infielders. Juniors Matthew James, Anthony Drago and Pat McInerney and freshman Luke Shilling could see time at first base, while a host of newcomers, including junior college transfer Trent Hammond, are battling for time at third base.

"It's always nice to have good players back," Hartleb said of Walton and fellow veteran Jason Goldstein. "But the thing that's a key factor is that they are also good people and good students. Not only do they lead on the field but they also do the right things off the field. They push guys from a physical standpoint, they push guys mentally and they push guys in the classroom."

HURWITZ RETURNS

Michael Hurwitz missed all of 2015 after injuring his hip during the summer of 2014. The community health major and Springfield, Illinois, native has started 103 games, including 92 in the top three of the batting order. Hurwitz had a team-best 36 walks in 2014 on his way to a .399 on-base percentage. He is expected to be the Opening Day starter at second base.

WHO'S ON FIRST

The departure of David Kerian, last year's Big Ten Player of the Year, leaves first base as a position of need for the Illini. Kerian slugged 16 home runs and led the team with a .367 batting average before being drafted in the ninth round by the Washington Nationals. Matthew James is the likely replacement for Opening Day. James hit .261 with four homers and 17 RBI for last year's team. 

NEW FACES

Six newcomers are listed as infielders on the roster: Freshmen Bren Spillane (Wheeling, Ill/Wheeling), Luke Shilling (Clarkston, Mich./Notre Dame Prep), Tyler Engel (Ipava, Ill./VIT), Casey Dodge (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) and Jalin McMillan (Chicago, Ill./Simeon) and junior transfer Trent Hammond (Manhattan Beach, Calif./Fullerton College).