Walter Aikens

Aikens gained playing time when junior Garrett Edwards aggravated a neck strain in the first half against the Spartans. In just his third game at Illinois, he registered six tackles for second most on the team and also broke up a pass.

"(He) is coming on and is getting better, so we need to get him in there," Zook said. "You like to see the energy and you like to see the excitement. As all young guys do, he has a lot to learn, but I was very impressed with the way he played."

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