Fourth-and-blog

54 days to Camp Rantoul

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Friday, June 12, 2009 12:29 AM

No. 24: Ian Thomas, linebacker.

Why he's important: When Mike Locksley landed Thomas, he thought the Washington D.C. product was the steal of the 2007 class. Thomas didn't progress maybe as quickly as the coaches had hoped, redshirting as a freshman. But an older, wiser Thomas returns after seeing limited time in 2008. There is plenty of motivation for the former DeMatha star, who has a chance to fill an opening in the starting lineup. He has added weight and strength since joining the Illini.

Getting personal: At one point, he looked like he might be the next heavyweight champion of the world. As a youth, Thomas was a talented boxer who earned a national ranking in his weight class. His boxing training serves him well on defense, adding to his aggressiveness and counter-attacking abilities.Picked Illinois over Maryland and Connecticut.

To see No. 25, click here.

To see No. 26, click here.

To see No. 27, click here.

To see No. 28, click here.

To see No. 29, click here.

To see No. 30, click here.

To see No. 31, click here.

To see No. 32, click here.

To see No. 33, click here.

To see No. 34, click here.

To see No. 35, click here.

To see No. 36, click here.

To see No. 37, click here.

To see No. 38, click here.

To see No. 39, click here.

To see No. 40, click here.

To see No. 41, click here.

To see No. 42, click here.

To see No. 43, click here.

To see No. 44, click here.

To see No. 45, click here

 

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