April 8, 2009

With a defense as youthful as the Illini have this spring, the cornerback position stands as the one with the most experience returning. Despite the loss of Vontae Davis, an early entrant to the NFL draft, there is considerable amount of playing time logged by the returning players.

Dere Hicks returns for his third year as a starter, and as the leader, sees that the squad could move on "without missing a beat." Hicks is currently being held out of spring drills while recovering from hernia surgery in January. But his time on the sideline provides more opportunities for the younger members of the unit.

"I am not out there right now, so my role is to help with the mental part of the game for the guys, the motivation," Hicks said.

One move made by the Illini coaching staff this spring was the switch of junior Travon Bellamy from safety to corner and Ashante Williams from corner to safety. The move for Bellamy is a chance to get him in his natural position.

"I really enjoy being on an island out there, playing in space," said Bellamy. "I am more of a cover guy, and it fits my style of play."

"Travon adds a lot out there for us. He started every game last year and knows the defense, so having him working out at corner will be a big benefit for our team," added Hicks.

The players benefitting from the additional practice reps are sophomore Tavon Wilson and freshman Pat Nixon-Youman. Wilson cut his teeth in 2008, learning game speed firsthand on special teams and playing on defense for 150 snaps in the secondary.

"I think last year really helped my confidence and learning the defense. I know now that I need to come out and practice every day like it is a game, if I want to be a key part of this team in the fall," commented Wilson.

Nixon-Youman has been chomping at the bit to get out on the practice field after sitting out the 2008 season due to academic reasons. But in just four practices, the coaching staff already sees potential for Nixon-Youman to make an impact.

³He does some things you can't teach," said Head Coach Ron Zook. "I like the way he has kept himself mentally prepared through his time away from the game, and what we have seen in just four days has been impressive."

Additionally, the Illini welcome back the help of sophomore Miami Thomas, who redshirted the 2008 season with knee and shoulder injuries. Thomas had a great freshman year and is just another reason the corners are the most experienced group on the defensive side of the ball.