For 50 days, we're ranking the most important Illini for the 2010 season.

No. 11: Ian Thomas, linebacker

Why he's important: He was going to have a significant role on the Illinois defense in 2009. Then, Martez Wilson got hurt and made it even more significant. Forced to play middle linebacker, Thomas finished the season as the No. 10 tackler in the Big Ten. After recording just four tackles in 2008, he had 95 stops, including 4.5 for loss. With Wilson expected back in the middle, Thomas moves back to the outside, where he is expected to thrive. The year making all the stops makes Thomas one of the top tacklers on the team. He has become one of the leaders of the defense and will be a good fit with Wilson, who has been given full clearance to play.

Fast fact: A star at D.C. area power DeMatha, Thomas picked Illinois over Maryland, UConn and others.

Tomorrow: No. 10

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