41 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 11: Donsay Hardeman, defensive back.
Why he's important: Big hitter started eight games at safety in 2008 before being sidelined by a neck injury that required surgery. The Illinois coaches are much more optimistic about his return than they were at the time of the injury. Hardeman has helped the opinion with his enthusiasm. The defense will be a lot better if Hardeman is able to return to his safety position. Piled up tackles in wins against Michigan and Iowa. Options for defensive coordinators Dan Disch and Curt Mallory improve if Hardeman is able to go.
Getting personal: Nobody was more excited about spring practice than Hardeman, and he wasn't even playing. Though he spent part of the workouts in sessions with the Illinois strength and conditioning coaches, he also found time to cheer on his teammates from the sidelines. And it wasn't just during scrimmages. He rooted on the defense after big plays in individual and team drills. Jacksonville, Fla., native was a standout at Georgia Military College, where he had nine interceptions in two seasons. Picked Illini over Alabama, Miami, South Carolina and others.
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