They haven't played a down this season. But you will get to know these five Illini freshmen soon enough. After sitting out as redshirts in 2011, they look to be an important part of Tim Beckman's first Illinois team. Here's why, courtesy beat writer Bob Asmussen:

ZEPH GRIMES

Defensive back

Bamberg, S.C.

Why he's important in 2012: The Illinois secondary could take a major hit. We know that Tavon Wilson is gone after a standout career. And cornerback Terry Hawthorne might consider leaving a year early for the NFL. A new coaching staff might consider shuffling the remaining players, so with a solid spring Grimes has a chance to at least move into the two-deep. He impressed the former staff, earning Scout Team Player of the Year honors on defense.

Grimes on the bowl practices: "I'm going to keep doing what I did during the season. I'm going to get better and help the offense get better. It's OK (sitting out). It allows me time to learn from the older guys. It's all good."

TED KARRAS

Offensive lineman

Indianapolis

Why he's important in 2012: Illini lose Jack Cornell to graduation. There's one inside opening. And Hugh Thornton, who missed part of the season because of injury, could move outside. That would leave only Graham Pocic with experience at the three inside positions. A member of a famous football family, Karras made quick improvement during his rookie season and is ready to get on the field.

Karras on the extra practices: "It's like a minicamp. We get to get better. We get a lot more reps. We get to be in front of the coaches a little bit more. The first year was a lot of fun. I got bigger, stronger. I'm eager to meet our new coaches and eager to play for them."

KENNY KNIGHT

Receiver

Beverly Hills, Mich.

Why he's important in 2012: A.J. Jenkins is leaving after a star role his senior season. Fred Sykes and Brandon Clear also will be gone, creating holes in the rotation. And look at the type of offense Tim Beckman wants to run. The spread means four receivers on the field at once. You need at least eight guys to fill the holes and probably closer to 10. After Ryan Lankford, Darius Millines, Spencer Harris and Jon Davis, there are all sorts of openings.

Knight on bowl practices: "It's been great. It's a chance for us to get better as a team and individually. It's working on the things that make us better players. Hopefully, next year, you'll see me on the field. I'm real excited. I think I've put myself in the best situation to get some playing time and do everything I can to help the team win and be a positive factor on offense."

SCOTT McDOWELL

Offensive lineman

Hinsdale

Why he's important in 2012: He's projected as a tackle, which will be a major need area. Four-year starter Jeff Allen is moving on to the NFL after a productive career. There is uncertainty on the other side, with Simon Cvijanovic and Michael Heitz splitting time this season. And Corey Lewis is a possibility after missing two years because of a knee injury. There is no dominant tackle, which gives McDowell a better-than-average chance to earn a starting spot.

McDowell on bowl practices: "It's huge. It's just another opportunity to work on things you need to work on. It's the last chance to work with the guys who are leaving. It's been fun. Sitting out was all right because I knew I had a lot to learn. I had to get bigger and stronger. I got some good experience working with the twos earlier in the season. I'm going to be pushing to try to get into the rotation. Lots of things can happen during the season. I want to be in a position to get in there if I can."

JEREMY WHITLOW

Receiver

Cleveland

Why he's important in 2012: The Scout Team Player of the Year on offense will have an early chance to get on the field. The old staff considered him for playing time in 2011 but decided to hold him back. Coach Tim Beckman's staff will benefit by having a guy who has grown in size and experience. And the Ohio native won't have any trouble fitting in with the new staff.

Whitlow on bowl practices: "It means a lot. There's a lot of extra work, getting us ready not only for this game but for next year. Hopefully, I'll be on the field. I'm going to put in as much work as possible. It was hard sitting out at the beginning, but it was a chance for me to get better, so I took it in stride. I'm going into next year expecting great things."