76 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 46: Michael Buchanan, defensive end.
Why he's important: He is coming in at a position of need. The Illini lost a pair of longtime starters, Will Davis and Derek Walker. While there are plenty of experienced defensive ends on the current roster, including senior starter Doug Pilcher, Buchanan's special skill set gives him a chance to play early. Illinois has spent 15 years looking for the next Simeon Rice. This could be the guy. No pressure.
Getting personal: The News-Gazette All-Stater was also a standout basketball player at Homewood-Flossmoor. He'll have no trouble getting adjusted to college with former teammates Supo Sanni and Russell Ellington already on the roster. He is nice combination of humble and confident, vowing to play in the opener against Missouri, but adding that he needs to improve in every part of his game.
To see No. 47, click here.
To see No. 48, click here.
To see No. 49, click here.
To see No. 50, click here.
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