42 days to Camp Rantoul
No. 12: Dere Hicks, defensive back.
Why he's important: The 2008 Illinois football team had a cornerback taken in the first round of the NFL draft. But when it came time to pick the team's best defensive back, Hicks was the choice over Vontae Davis. He had 43 tackles, five PBUs, four TFLs and an interception during his junior season. Though the Illini will miss Davis, having Hicks at the other cornerback is a huge plus for the secondary. Don't be surprised if he matches his career interception total (three). At least. He will face difficult tests throughout the season and should draw the opponents' best receivers. If he's up to, the guys in front of him will have an advantage.
Getting personal: January enrollee joined the Illini after a semester at Valley Forge Military Academy. That's the same school attended by Illini lineman Randall Hunt, who is fighting for a starting spot. Jumped into action immediately, playing 11 games as a freshman. He moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, helping the Illini ean a Rose Bowl berth. A quarterback in high school, he was also a state champion hurdler. He picked the Illini over Michigan State, Pitt, West Virginia and others.
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