Asmussen's All-Big Ten thoughts
Ask Bob about his ballot here
College football beat writer Bob Asmussen's best Illini bets for the All-Big Ten team, which will be announced Monday.
1. Jon Asamoah, guard. Smart guy is going to go in the first three rounds of April's revamped NFL draft.
2. Clay Nurse, defensive end. I did a huge preseason story on him, and he didn't let me down. Should get plenty of votes from Minnesota.
3. Ian Thomas, linebacker. Team's leading tackler has filled in capably for Martez Wilson.
4. Mikel Leshoure, running back. Centennial product is a bright spot in an otherwise dismal offensive season.
5. Terry Hawthorne, cornerback. Reigning News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year should receive votes for Freshman of the Year.
I think Hawthorne should be in the mix if only for the reason that he is single-handedly the difference between our finishing in sole possession of 9th place, as opposed to sharing the basement with Indiana and Michigan.
Speaking of Michigan, if 3 years ago someone would have told you that UI would finish ahead of the Wolverines in the Big 10 standings, wouldn't your first reaction be "Oh boy, a New Year's Day Bowl Game"?
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