2009 Illinois football preview: Defense

Brit Miller was able to fill in former All-American J Leman's shoes effectively last season by leading the Big Ten in tackles and the team in sacks. It is unclear who will emerge to fill Miller's shoes in 2009. The depth chart will most likely be determined following experimentation with different lineups at Camp Rantoul. Former 5-star Chicago Simeon recruit Martez "Grande Dos" Wilson will need to grow into his role as a leader on defense and vastly improve his play to legitimize his nickname. Wilson seems to be the only definite starter for now with several athletes competing for the other two linebacker positions. Junior College transfer Aaron Gress is ready to play and contribute and will most likely be facing the stiffest competition from the likes of Ian Thomas, Evan Frierson, Justin Staples, Russ Ellington and Nate Bussey (4.4 forty), who recently made the conversion from defensive back following the 2008 season, will make up a fast group of linebackers.

David Lee