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Illinois Names Greatest Defensive Linemen in School History
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June 6, 2008
Some of the most rugged Fighting Illini players in school history highlight the list of 10 greatest Illini defensive linemen to play at Memorial Stadium. Nine of the group played in the National Football League, with Simeon Rice earning accolades as one of the greatest pass rushers in pro football history. Three sets of teammates are part of the list with Joe Rutgens and Ed O'Bradovich from 1958-60, Mel Agee and Moe Gardner playing together from 1987-90 and Mark Butkus and 1983 Big Ten Silver Football Award winner Don Thorp playing together from 1980-83. Rutgens was the third overall pick of the 1961 NFL Draft and Tab Bennett was a start lineman in the early 70s before embarking on a long career in collegiate athletics at Illinois. Scott Davis was a dominant defensive end in the mid-80s while Fred Wakefield developed into a star from 1997-2000.
At the 2008 Illini football home opener on Sept. 6 against
Eastern Illinois, the 10 greatest Fighting Illini from each position who
played at Memorial Stadium will be recognized and introduced to the crowd.
That game has been selected as the Memorial Stadium Renaissance Celebration
following a 21-month, $120 million renovation project. The defensive linemen
group is the sixth of eight different groups that will be announced weekly,
preceded by the linebackers, specialists, receivers, defensive backs and
quarterbacks, and followed by offensive linemen and running backs.
Illini fans were able to vote on-line at www.fightingillini.com
Season tickets remain on sale for $225 for the sideline seating areas. For
more information regarding tickets, contact the UI Athletics Ticket Office
by phone at 217-333-3470 or 866-ILLINI-1, on the Internet at
www.fightingillini.com or in person at the
Assembly Hall North Box Office.
10 Greatest Fighting Illini Defensive Linemen
Mel Agee, DL, 1987-90 Tab Bennett, DL, 1970-72 Mark Butkus, DL, 1980-83 Scott Davis, DL, 1983-87 Moe Gardner, DL, 1987-90 Ed O'Bradovich, DL, 1959-60 Simeon Rice, DL, 1992-95 Joe Rutgens, DL, 1958-60 Don Thorp, DL, 1980-83 Fred Wakefield, DL, 1997-2000
