No. 8: Doug Pilcher, defensive end.

Why he's important: Fifth-year player brings stability to a position that lost standouts Derek Walker and Will Davis. Has eight sacks in the past two seasons and will climb into the school's career Top 10 with a big senior season. Smart guy (he's an Academic All-Big Ten player) should be a more consistent presence on the field after splitting time in 2008. Expect him to start every game and push his tackle totals to career bests. His experience helps beyond his own position, carrying over to tackle. Has given first-year coach Keith Gilmore an anchor to count on.

Getting personal: To say his family likes Illinois is a bit of an understatement. Both his parents, Jim and Debbie, attended the school. So did his older brother. And his younger sister is at the school. A three-star prospect as a senior at Hinsdale Central, he picked the Illini over Northwestern, Wisconsin and others. A three-sport athlete at Hinsdale Central, he was also a four-year honor roll student.

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