72 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 42: Derek Dimke, kicker.
Why he's important: First, he provides competition for Matt Eller, who had a stellar 2008 season as the team's starting kicker but doesn't have the job locked up. If Ron Zook thinks Dimke is doing a better job in practice, he will be the guy in games. Also, Dimke took over kickoff duties midway through the 2008 season. With the special teams under extra scrutiny, all positions are open competition.
Getting personal: Former Rockford Boylan star is a walk-on. For now. When he first made a commitment to the Illini, the coaches and the player talked about moving into a scholarship position as a sophomore. The scholarship total on the team is close to the NCAA limit, but if there is a way to reward Dimke, the Illinois coaches will try to do it. Eller and punter Anthony Santella weren't on scholarship in 2008 either.
To see No. 43, click here.
To see No. 44, click here.
To see No. 45, click here.
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