37 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 7: Michael Hoomanawanui, tight end.
Why he's important: The Illinois coaches promised him they would throw to the tight end. After the first two years, when he caught a combined five passes, you have to wonder if they were going to be right. But he caught 25 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. He figures to be a consistent outlet for Juice Williams, who has more receivers than ever. WIth defensive backs and linebackers chasing Arrelious Benn and friends, he should own the middle of the field. Tall and athletic, he is more of a news school tight end, but has the toughness to block like a traditional tight end. He is being touted as a preseason All-Big Ten candidate in summer publications.
Getting personal: His dad, Isy, helped coach him at Bloomington Central Catholic, where he was a News-Gazette All-Stater his senior season. Isy makes frequent practice appearances during Camp Rantoul. A talented two-way player in high school, he had 12 touchdown catches and eight sacks as a high school senior. A three-star recruit according to scouting services, he picked the Illini over Purdue. Oregon State and others.
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